Research Project: 01.09.2025 -30.04.2026

 This research aims to address critical bottlenecks in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting by exploring the role of phonon dynamics in improving energy efficiency of hydrogen production. PEC water splitting, a promising sustainable hydrogen production technology, faces challenges related to charge carrier recombination and energy loss. By tuning phonon dynamics, this project seeks to prolong hot-carrier lifetimes and reduce carrier-phonon scattering thereby enhancing sunlight-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency.

Key objectives include:

• • Investigating the impact of phonon dynamics on charge carrier cooling and recombination in semiconductor materials.
• • Engineering materials with tailored phononic properties to improve PEC performance.
• • Correlating phonon behaviour with PEC efficiency through advanced spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical measurements. 

Using materials like hematite, ZnO, TiO₂, and BiVO₄, this study integrates Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy with time-resolved techniques to map phonon lifetimes and electron-phonon coupling. Collaborations with leading experts in nanomaterials and PEC characterization ensure access to cutting-edge synthesis and analytical tools.