Radically new p-n heterojunction concept for novel photovoltaic, photocatalytic, and electrochemical energy conversion

RADICON applies chemical thermodynamics to semiconductor physics to discover novel bottom-up and fabrication routes for p-n-heterojunctions. This leads in consequence to a range of ground-breaking innovations within energy conversion, here optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and electrochemistry. The project explores the theory, properties, fabrication, and applications by a range of methodologies from ab initio calculations and semiconductor physics via atomic resolution microscopy and spectroscopy to in situ electrical and electrochemical characterisation, utilising UiO's state of the art laboratories in semiconductor physics and solid-state electrochemistry as well as national infrastructures. Various routes for further research and exploitation are planned for the different directions of applications, pending positive results, IPR, and publication. The project is a collaboration between Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics at University of Oslo within the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN). It runs for 1+2 years, recruits and trains 2 researchers, and integrates MSc projects.

The project has achieved scientific verification of the concept of co-existent nanocomposite p-n heterojunctions and the potential to enhance junction properties such as optoelectronic and functions. There are otherwise no significant outcomes and impacts after completion of the pre-project only.

RADICON applies chemical thermodynamics to semiconductor physics to discover novel bottom-up and fabrication routes for p-n-heterojunctions. This leads in consequence to a range of ground-breaking innovations within energy conversion, here optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and electrochemistry. The project explores the theory, properties, fabrication, and applications by a range of methodologies from ab initio calculations and semiconductor physics via atomic resolution microscopy and spectroscopy to in situ electrical and electrochemical characterisation, utilising UiO's state of the art laboratories in semiconductor physics and solid-state electrochemistry as well as national infrastructures. The project runs through to early demonstration in a phase 1 pre-project, and a deeper study and optimisation for efficiency in a main phase 2. Various routes for further research and exploitation are planned for the different directions of applications, pending positive results, IPR, and publication. The project is a collaboration between Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics at University of Oslo within the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN). It runs for 1+2 years, recruits and trains 2 researchers, and integrates 3 MSc projects.