@misc{BrinkertRichterAkayetal., author = {Brinkert, Katharina and Richter, Matthias and Akay, {\"O}mer and Giersig, Michael and Fountaine, Katherine T. and Lewerenz, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Advancing semiconductor-electrocatalyst systems: application of surface transformation films and nanosphere lithography}, series = {Faraday Discussions}, volume = {208}, journal = {Faraday Discussions}, issn = {1359-6640}, doi = {10.1039/C8FD00003D}, pages = {523 -- 535}, abstract = {Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells offer the possibility of carbon-neutral solar fuel production through artificial photosynthesis. The pursued design involves technologically advanced III-V semiconductor absorbers coupled via an interfacial film to an electrocatalyst layer. These systems have been prepared by in situ surface transformations in electrochemical environments. High activity nanostructured electrocatalysts are required for an efficiently operating cell, optimized in their optical and electrical properties. We demonstrate that shadow nanosphere lithography (SNL) is an auspicious tool to systematically create three-dimensional electrocatalyst nanostructures on the semiconductor photoelectrode through controlling their morphology and optical properties. First results are demonstrated by means of the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen on p-type InP photocathodes where hitherto applied photoelectrodeposition and SNL-deposited Rh electrocatalysts are compared based on their J-V and spectroscopic behavior. We show that smaller polystyrene particle masks achieve higher defect nanostructures of rhodium on the photoelectrode which leads to a higher catalytic activity and larger short circuit currents. Structural analyses including HRSEM and the analysis of the photoelectrode surface composition by using photoelectron spectroscopy support and complement the photoelectrochemical observations. The optical performance is further compared to theoretical models of the nanostructured photoelectrodes on light scattering and propagation.}, language = {en} } @misc{BrinkertRichterAkayetal., author = {Brinkert, Katharina and Richter, Matthias and Akay, {\"O}mer and Liedtke, Janine and Giersig, Michael and Fountaine, Katherine T. and Lewerenz, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Efficient Solar Hydrogen Generation in Microgravity Environment}, series = {Nature Communications}, journal = {Nature Communications}, number = {9}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-018-04844-y}, abstract = {Long-term space missions require extra-terrestrial production of storable, renewable energy. Hydrogen is ascribed a crucial role for transportation, electrical power and oxygen generation. We demonstrate in a series of drop tower experiments that efficient direct hydrogen production can be realized photoelectrochemically in microgravity environment, providing an alternative route to existing life support technologies for space travel. The photoelectrochemical cell consists of an integrated catalyst-functionalized semiconductor system that generates hydrogen with current densities >15 mA/cm2 in the absence of buoyancy. Conditions are described adverting the resulting formation of ion transport blocking froth layers on the photoelectrodes. The current limiting factors were overcome by controlling the micro- and nanotopography of the Rh electrocatalyst using shadow nanosphere lithography. The behaviour of the applied system in terrestrial and microgravity environment is simulated using a kinetic transport model. Differences observed for varied catalyst topography are elucidated, enabling future photoelectrode designs for use in reduced gravity environments.}, language = {en} } @misc{AkayBashkatovCoyetal., author = {Akay, {\"O}mer and Bashkatov, Aleksandr and Coy, Emerson and Eckert, Kerstin and Einarsrud, Kristian Etienne and Friedrich, Andreas and Kimmel, Benjamin and Loos, Stefan and Mutschke, Gerd and R{\"o}ntzsch, Lars and Symes, Mark D. and Yang, Xuegeng and Brinkert, Katharina}, title = {Electrolysis in reduced gravitational environments: current research perspectives and future applications}, series = {npj Microgravity}, volume = {8}, journal = {npj Microgravity}, issn = {2373-8065}, doi = {10.1038/s41526-022-00239-y}, abstract = {Electrochemical energy conversion technologies play a crucial role in space missions, for example, in the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on the International Space Station (ISS). They are also vitally important for future long-term space travel for oxygen, fuel and chemical production, where a re-supply of resources from Earth is not possible. Here, we provide an overview of currently existing electrolytic energy conversion technologies for space applications such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzer systems. We discuss the governing interfacial processes in these devices influenced by reduced gravitation and provide an outlook on future applications of electrolysis systems in, e.g., in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies. A perspective of computational modelling to predict the impact of the reduced gravitational environment on governing electrochemical processes is also discussed and experimental suggestions to better understand efficiency-impacting processes such as gas bubble formation and detachment in reduced gravitational environments are outlined.}, language = {en} }