New Materials for Solar Fuels and Organic Electrosynthesis
Tilley Group @ UZH
About us
Our Research Focus
We develop low cost semiconductor materials to convert abundant sunlight and water into fuels. This topic encompasses semiconductor photo-physics, electrochemistry, and materials and reaction cell engineering. We develop advanced characterization techniques to characterize and improve these systems. We also develop novel electrode materials to transform organic molecules that could serve as the basis of a new chemical industry based on renewable resources.
Materials Chemistry
Developing new materials for solar energy conversion and novel reactivity with organic molecules.
Catalysis
Developing new (electro)catalysts for efficient transformations.
Characterization
Development of advanced techniques to understand and improve our materials.
Research Summary
New materials for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting
Particle-based PEC water splitting has the potential to produce solar hydrogen at a lower cost than fossil fuel-derived hydrogen, and is therefore a disruptive technology that could free us from a fossil fuel-based economy. However, new materials are needed to achieve the stability and efficiencies that are required for low cost hydrogen production.
Research Summary
Advanced analytical techniques for PEC water splitting
Studying semiconductor materials as thin films enables the use of a suite of techniques for in-depth characterization and understanding, leading to the identification of limitations and subsequent improvement of the system.
Research Summary
Organic electrosynthesis
The main aim of this research is to advance the use of electrochemistry in organic synthesis, with the long-term goal of electrifying the chemical industry. The use of electrochemistry can prevent the use of dangerous, toxic, or expensive chemicals and materials, resulting in greatly reduced (toxic) waste production.
