Porous transparent conducting oxides for efficient solar fuel production

August 10th, 2022

R&D Focus Areas:
Electrolysis, Photochemical and photocatalytic processes, Nanomaterials

Lead Organisation:
University of Sydney

Partners:
RMIT University, Deakin University

Status:
Active

Start date:
June 2019

Completion date:
December 2024

Key contacts:
Professor Antonio Tricoli (Chief Investigator) – antonio.tricoli@sydney.edu.au
Associate Professor Enrico Della Gaspera (Chief Investigator)
Professor Chris McConville (Chief Investigator)

Funding:
Australian Research Council

Project total cost:
AUD$320,000 cash contribution

Project summary description:
This project aims to develop highly porous, transparent and electrically conducting networks of oxide nanoparticles for artificial photosynthesis applications. The majority of hydrogen is currently produced via natural gas reforming, a process that generates a significant carbon footprint due to the use of fossil fuels. This project will develop novel materials and fabrication methods to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production using clean and renewable solar energy. This project will contribute to development of technologies for the chemical storage of renewable energy, and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This will have applications in the areas of optoelectronic devices, medical biosensors, and photocatalysis.

Higher degree studies supported:
Six higher-degree students supported.

Reviewed: September 2024