Potential-dependent polaron formation activates TiO2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction

Higher education and research

Research funding and support

Philanthropic funding

Local charge centers that form on titanium dioxide semiconductor surfaces when electrode potential is applied. These are charged defects that activate the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Advanced spectroscopic technique used in experimental validation to characterize charge centers and electronic states during hydrogen evolution.

Semiconductor material used as a prototype in this research for hydrogen evolution. TiO2 is abundant, low-cost, and more sustainable than platinum-based alternatives.

Central Finland (Jyväskylä)

Research project studying how semiconductor materials enable green hydrogen production through photoelectrochemistry and electrocatalysis, specifically investigating polaron-mediated hydrogen evolution on titanium dioxide surfaces.

Computational method for modeling semiconductor electrochemistry at atomic and electron levels, enabling inclusion of electrode potential effects in simulations

Prototype semiconductor electrode material demonstrating polaron-mediated hydrogen evolution reaction as alternative to platinum-based catalysts