Project R-17041

Chiral Spin Filters for High-Performance Photoelectrochemical Solar Fuel Production (Research)

Solar-driven water splitting provides a clean route to produce renewable hydrogen, but overall system efficiency is hindered by energy losses during oxygen generation. These losses are driven by electron spin barriers that slow chemical reactions and reduce energy yield. This initiative introduces advanced chiral interlayers into solar photoelectrodes to control charge transfer at the molecular level. By filtering electron spins before charge carriers reach catalytic sites, this approach speeds up targeted chemical reactions and suppresses unwanted side reactions. By linking functional material design to measurable efficiency gains, the project develops validated engineering rules to create highly stable, high-performance solar fuel technologies.

01 November 2026 - 31 October 2030