Issue 11, 2012

Conduction band energy determination by variable temperature spectroelectrochemistry

Abstract

The conduction and valence band energy positions of nanostructured semiconductors are arguably the most important physical parameters of these materials; however they have also proven the most problematic to measure. In this work, we describe a new method of variable temperature spectroelectrochemistry, which is a simple way to directly measure the absolute conduction band energy of nanostructured electrodes with minimal assumptions. In addition, the extinction coefficient of free conduction band electrons is simultaneously determined by this method. Results of variable temperature spectroelectrochemistry measurements of nanoparticle TiO2 electrodes are presented. Values of −0.761 to −0.936 V vs. Ag/AgCl were determined for the conduction band energy, which was found to shift with EF in excellent agreement with literature estimates. We believe this method will be applicable to a large variety of materials and systems.

Graphical abstract: Conduction band energy determination by variable temperature spectroelectrochemistry

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
20 Jul 2012
Accepted
11 Sep 2012
First published
13 Sep 2012

Energy Environ. Sci., 2012,5, 9476-9480

Conduction band energy determination by variable temperature spectroelectrochemistry

J. W. Ondersma and T. W. Hamann, Energy Environ. Sci., 2012, 5, 9476 DOI: 10.1039/C2EE22926A

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