Photoelectrochemical Application of Nanomaterials

Seyi Philemon Akanji, Onoyivwe Monday Ama, Omotayo A. Arotiba, Duduzile Nkosi, Idris Azeez Olayiwola, Uyiosa Osagie Aigbe, Robert Birundu Onyancha, Kingsley Eghonghon Ukhurebor

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Tremendous progress has been made in the aspect of material design, especially in nanomaterials fabrication over the past decades. And as such, the rapid development of nanomaterials through nanotechnology has opened up new avenues for their use in photoelectrochemical applications. Their unique characteristics at nano dimensions compared to their bulk counterparts make them very much attractive. Largely, optical properties and functionalities in emerging technologies, flexibility and semiconducting properties to mention a few make the use of nanomaterials indispensable for photoelectrochemical applications. Owing to this effect, the present chapter deals with the photoelectrochemical (PEC) application of nanomaterials in specific areas such as photoelectrochemical biosensing, hydrogen production via solar water splitting and photovoltaic devices. The chapter also addresses the progress in the utilization of the nanomaterials and illustrates the designs for their integration in biosensors, highly efficient and stable photoelectrode in PEC water splitting for hydrogen production and outstanding smart solar energy harvesting devices for third-generation photovoltaics. Graphical Abstract: Highlights The following are discussed in this chapter: Brief introduction on the concept of nanotechnology with respect to nanomaterials as well as the useful properties that facilitate their broad range of applications. Brief introduction on photoelectrochemical process and its unique advantage. Three broad ranges of photoelectrochemical applications of nanomaterials—biosensors (photoelectrochemical biosensors), photoelectrochemical water splitting and photovoltaics where specific application is directed toward the third-generation photovoltaics such as organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Nanotechnology Synopses I Nanomaterials came into existence through a multidisciplinary subject termed nanotechnology. Materials in this category are classified as nanomaterials based on convention because they consist of nanoparticles with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm. Interestingly, materials in these dimensions (1–100 nm) possess exceptional properties (such as large surface area and electronic properties) which give them preference in usage above their bulk counterparts. These exceptional abilities impart their usage in wide range of applications. Graphical Abstract 1: Photoelectrochemical process Synopses 2 The separation and transfer of charges upon the absorption of photons during illumination normally lead to the conversion of the absorbed photons to electricity. This kind of conversion process is termed photoelectrochemical process. To a large extent, photoelectrochemical process combines the unique advantages of being both optical and electrochemical. The unique advantages of the photoelectrochemical process, coupled with the exceptional features of nanomaterials, led to the substantial progress in technological advancement. This chapter therefore delineates the substantial progress in the photoelectrochemical application of nanomaterials by channeling it toward three major applications, namely biosensors, hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical water splitting and the design of renewable energy devices, generally known as photovoltaics.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEngineering Materials
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Pages121-153
Number of pages33
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Publication series

NameEngineering Materials
ISSN (Print)1612-1317
ISSN (Electronic)1868-1212

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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