Topic: Photoelectrochemical Materials and Devices for Artificial Photosynthesis

The use of renewable sources is becoming crucial for meeting future energy demand while contributing to the decarbonization of society. However, the intermittent nature of these sources (such as solar energy) highlights the need for the simultaneous development of efficient and scalable energy storage. Semiconductor electrodes are at the core of stand-alone photoelectrochemical devices having the ability of converting solar energy into chemical energy, which can be scaled up in a straightforward way. Interestingly, these electrode materials can work as either photocathodes or photoanodes depending on their n- or p-type behavior, which significantly adds to their versatility. This Special Issue is devoted to presenting both fundamental and applied studies of photoelectrochemical materials and systems for artificial photosynthesis. It gathers selected contributions on photoelectrode materials oriented toward Solar-to-chemical transformation with a focus on water splitting (green hydrogen) and carbon dioxide reactions (solar fuels). Attention is paid not only to practical materials and devices, but also to the mechanistic aspects underlying photoelectrode behavior. In this respect, importance is given to the different strategies that can be applied for the optimization of these materials at either bulk or interphase levels. Mastering the interplay between photoelectrochemical material and other device components is needed for an appropriate integration, which will pave the way for enhancing the prospects of such systems in the future energy landscape.

Photoelectrochemical materials, artificial photosynthesis

30 Sep 2025