Our latest research investigates the dynamics and efficiency of photoinduced electron transfer in dye-sensitized photoanodes using various solvent environments, analyzed through nanosecond transient spectroscopy and ultrafast optical-pump terahertz-probe spectroscopy. We observed higher electron injection efficiencies in mixed solvent electrolytes compared to aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. Specifically, the dye-sensitized SnO2/TiO2 core/shell electrodes exhibited optimal performance in mixed solvents. This enhancement correlates with the solvent-induced shifts in the TiO2 flat-band potential, influencing electron transfer dynamics. Our findings underscore the significant impact of solvent composition on the electron injection and charge separation processes at the semiconductor interface, providing critical insights for optimizing photoanode performance in solar energy applications.

This research was done in collaboration with the Mallouk and Brudvig groups.

Pre-print available here:
https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6629443591aefa6ce153a63b

We are excited to announce that Michael has been selected as a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholars for 2024. This prestigious award is given to faculty members in the early stages of their academic careers who have demonstrated significant achievements in scholarship and a strong commitment to education. As part of this recognition, the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation grants an unrestricted research grant of $100,000, which will further support our ongoing research endeavors at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and materials science. This award not only recognizes our past achievements but also reinforces our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and education.

Michael has been selected as a fellow for the Scialog: Sustainable Minerals, Metals, and Materials program. This initiative, co-sponsored by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to advance sustainable practices in materials science. It’s an honor to be part of this interdisciplinary community of early career researchers from across North America, collaborating to address key challenges in sustainability.

For more details about the program, please visit the Scialog announcement page.