Thomas Bein: Ludwig Maximilian-Universitat, Munich

Thomas Bein

Professor and Chair of Physical Chemistry

Ludwig Maximilian-Universitat, Munich

Self-assembled hierarchical oxide semiconductor nano-morphologies for energy conversion

April 6, 2012 | 10:30am | MRL 2053

Abstract: 

Mesoporous structures show intriguing properties in the field of energy conversion.  The nanoscale morphology of porous, semiconducting metal oxides has a profound impact on their physical properties, including charge transport, ion intercalation and redox catalysis.  We will discuss several strategies for the formation of hierarchical porous oxide semiconductor systems, which are partially based on fusing preformed oxide nanocrystals in the presence of appropriate porogens.  These systens are employed as efficient active layers in photovoltaic cells and for electrochemical energy storage, respectively.  We will discuss the significant impact of the nanoscale morphologies of these self-assembled materials on their transport properties.