2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Development of a novel photocathode under strong coupling conditions for carbon dioxide reduction
| Project/Area Number |
23K04902
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| Research Institution | Hokkaido University |
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Principal Investigator |
石 旭 北海道大学, 創成研究機構, 准教授 (20749113)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2023-04-01 – 2026-03-31
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| Keywords | Plasmon / Nickel oxide / Photochemical reduction / Transient absorption |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In the past year, to develop a photoelectrochemical reduction system using p-type semiconductor, we have successfully developed the fabrication process to deposit NiO thin film by sputtering. We found that the valency of the Ni in the NiO thin film could be controlled by the O2 partial pressure during the spurring process. Besides, we also demonstrated that the crystallinity of the NiO thin film could be improved by annealing posttreatments.
To measure the photoelectrochemical properties of the p-type NiO electrode, we designed and ordered a custom-made photoelectrochemical reaction cell. We will use it to evaluate and optimize the performance of the NiO photoelectrodes.
For the mechanism study, we improved the optical set up of the transient absorption system using femtosecond laser pulses.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
In the first financial year, we were mainly planning to establish the basis of the research. This year, we have successfully developed the fabrication process of the p-type semiconductor, designed, and made a photoelectrochemical reaction cell, improved the optical set up of the femtosecond transient absorption measurement system.
A foundation study on optimizing the p-type semiconductor thin film fabrication process have been carried out, and we have smoothly obtained valuable information of the fabrication process.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In the second financial year, I am planning to load metal nanoparticles, such Au NP, Au-Cu alloy NPs, on the NiO p-type semiconductors and measure their photoelectrochemical properties. It will be important to optimize the ratio of the Au-Cu alloy for the selected photoreduction reactions. On the other hand, I will employ this optimized metal nanoparticle loaded NiO substrate for the transient measurements to figure out the dynamics of the photon-excited carriers to further study the underlying mechanisms.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Fortunately, I received a used lock-in amplifier, and did not need to purchase a new one. This part of funding will be used to maintenance the femtosecond laser system for transient absorption measurement, such as calling for on-site technical service.
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