Photocatalysis involves the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst. The process typically begins when the catalyst absorbs photons (light energy) and generates electron-hole pairs. These excited electrons and holes can then participate in redox reactions, for example leading to the degradation of pollutants, hydrogen production from water, or organic synthesis.
Photoelectrochemistry combines principles of both photocatalysis and electrochemistry. Specifically, photoelectrocatalysis studies the interactions between light, electrical charges, and chemical reactions at the interface of a photoelectrode. A typical photoelectrochemical cell consists of a photoanode and/or photocathode that absorbs light to generate charge carriers, which then drive electrochemical reactions. Applications of photoelectrochemistry include the production of solar fuels, such as through photoelectrochemical water splitting to generate hydrogen.
Both fields are crucial for developing sustainable energy solutions and environmental remediation technologies. SINTEF offers expertise in both areas, applying these technologies to a wide range of applications.
At SINTEF we develop photo-catalytically active materials, including
- (nano)powders
- thin films (for ex. semi-transparent photoelectrodes)
- 3D structures
We have various testing facilities tailored to the material and application, including:
- Photocatalytic reactor for testing particles in suspension or films
- Photocatalytic membrane reactors
- Photoelectrochemical test cells (half-cell or tandem cell) for water splitting reactions
- CO2 conversion systems
- Reactor design and development
SINTEF also offers a wide range of advanced characterization equipment and expertise to study photocatalytic materials, before after and in some cases during operation.
Projects
Learn more about our advanced materials characterization laboratory