Super-resolution reactivity mapping guides the engineering of photoanodes for solar water splitting

Professor: Peng Chen
Project Description: We are developing single-molecule, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy approaches to map photoelectrocatalytic reactivity on the surface of individual semiconductor nanoparticles at the nanometer resolution. By studying these reactions at the single-reaction level and nanometer spatial resolution in correlation with their structure, we expect to gain fundamental knowledge that will lay the foundation for engineering and preparing effective nanoscale catalysts to harvest solar energy to chemical fuels. In this project, the REU student will be expected to work with and be supervised by a postdoctoral researcher or a graduate student. It is expected that he will be involved in synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles/nanostructures and measurements of their electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties. He will also be exposed to advanced optical microscopy techniques. If appropriate, he may also be involved in statistical analysis of imaging results using computer programming.