Harnessing the (dis)advantages of PLD and flash photonic sintering to develop new approaches for highly efficient oxide thin-film semiconducting photoelectrodes

A unique approach to exploring non-equilibrium synthesis parameter spaces of oxide thin film photoelectrodes will be presented, broadening the pathway toward discovering new chemical spaces inaccessible through conventional solid-state reactions.

Using two non-equilibrium synthesis tools: pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and flash photonic sintering (see image), can form gradients in synthesis parameters without modifying composition parameters, which enables reproducible, high-throughput combinatorial synthesis over large-area substrates, and high-resolution observation and analysis. Even minor changes in synthesis significantly impact material properties, physical working mechanisms, and performances, demonstrated by the relationship between synthesis conditions, crystal structures of α-SnWO₄, and properties over a range of thicknesses of CuBi₂O₄, both emerging light-absorbers for photoelectrochemical water-splitting used as model multinary oxides.^1,2

Our approach addresses a primary need by focusing on novel non-equilibrium synthesis approaches of disruptive and innovative materials that meet the chemical and physical requirements for reducing global warming through sustainable development.

References:

1. Gottesman et. al. Adv. Energy Mater. 2021, 2003474.

2. Gottesman et. al. ACS Energy Lett. 2022, 7, 514–522.