PhD thesis supervisor: dr. Ramūnas Levinas (apply for recommendation)
Synthesis, modification, characterization, and application of transition metal oxides for photoelectrochemical processes
Efficient utilization of sunlight is a key objective in the renewable energy field. Photoelectrochemistry is a field focused on the synthesis and application of materials that generate electrical current when illuminated with light of a sufficient energy. These materials are used in certain photo-/electrocatalytic processes, such as water splitting to produce H2 and O2 or advanced oxidation processes (AOP) like pollutant degradation in aqueous media. In particular, transition metal oxides (e.g., WO3, TiO2) are a subject of active research due to their favorable semiconductor properties, electrochemical stability, and relative abundance. Various surface morphologies, thicknesses, optical and structural properties can be obtained by using different syntheses. Modification by nanostructuring or creating heterostructures with other transition metal oxides, chalcogenides, etc., is also possible. When performing research on this topic, the aim will be to synthesize modified transition metal oxide based photoanodes and/or photocathodes that have good photoelectrochemical properties and are sensitive to visible light.