Green, Renewable Energy for Environment and Nature


  

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NOD Lab's research at National Chiao Tung University over the past ten years involved the preparation of nanocrystals and their structural and property characterizations. Our current research interests include the design of advanced semiconductor nanostructures, investigation of interfacial charge carrier dynamics and development of green energy technology. Especially, we are devoted to the advancement of renewable energy for achieving a pollution-free, zero-carbon society.


Artificial Photosynthesis & Solar Fuel Generation
Inspired by the nature, photosynthetic systems capable of harvesting solar energy have represented an answer to address ever-increasing energy and environmental challenges. Photocatalytic processes using semiconductor nanostructures can mimic natural photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy, providing an attractive strategy for renewable energy generation and environmental remediation. The development of efficient, practical photocatalysts relies on the rational design of sophisticated nanostructures and on the capability of manipulating charge carrier transfer. The search for an essentially robust yet practically efficient photocatalysis platform is however a challenging research topic and needs continuous efforts.



Semiconductor Nanoheterostructures
In general, the fast recombinaiton of charge carriers in single semiconductor would diminish the resulting photoelectric conversion efficiency. To effectively gain energy from light, the photoexcited electrons and holes of semiconductor must be separated to suppress the direct recombination of them. For semiconductor/metal heterostructures with suitable band alignment, electrons in semiconductor would preferentially transfer to metal, leaving positively charged holes in semiconductor to achieve charge carrier separation. By adopting these composite systems, an improved performance in the photoconversion processes such as photocatalysis, water splitting, and photoelectrochemical cells can be attained.



Interfacial Charge Carrier Dynamics
The interfacial charge carrier dynamics for metal/semiconductor nanoheterostructures can be explored by using transient absorption and time-resolved emission spectroscopy. From the comparative spectral results, an index to the extent of charge separation for those nanoheterostructures could be deduced. This information is important and crucial to the performance of the resultant applications.

   
    


Video Demonstration (in Chinese)
Here is a video demonstrating the use of semiconductor nanostructures in photoconversion applications. For further information, please contact the PI at yhsu@cc.nctu.edu.tw.



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