KES5-0150
Organic Photocatalysts and Photoelectrochemical Cells for Sustainable Hydrogen Production
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
15:50 - 16:15
Presenter(s)
Han Young Woo (Korea University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Hydrogen (H₂) is widely regarded as a sustainable energy vector owing to its high gravimetric energy density, ease of transport, and carbon-free utilization. Among various green hydrogen production strategies, photocatalytic approaches are attractive because of their conceptual simplicity and low cost; however, their practical implementation is still hindered by limited efficiency. Therefore, the development of next-generation photocatalytic materials is essential to improve hydrogen evolution activity and reduce system-level costs.
In parallel, the rapid expansion of solar energy technologies has stimulated intensive research on photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells for direct solar-to-fuel conversion. In this context, organic semiconductors have gained increasing attention as photoelectrode materials due to their molecular tunability and strong light-harvesting capability. Despite these advantages, their application in aqueous PEC environments remains challenging because of inefficient interfacial charge transfer and insufficient film stability.
In this presentation, we report a newly developed class of photoactive materials designed to address these limitations. Their optical properties and hydrogen evolution performance in both photocatalytic and PEC configurations will be discussed. Furthermore, we will highlight recent insights into how molecular design governs material functionality and device behavior, providing design guidelines for achieving efficient solar-driven hydrogen production.
In parallel, the rapid expansion of solar energy technologies has stimulated intensive research on photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells for direct solar-to-fuel conversion. In this context, organic semiconductors have gained increasing attention as photoelectrode materials due to their molecular tunability and strong light-harvesting capability. Despite these advantages, their application in aqueous PEC environments remains challenging because of inefficient interfacial charge transfer and insufficient film stability.
In this presentation, we report a newly developed class of photoactive materials designed to address these limitations. Their optical properties and hydrogen evolution performance in both photocatalytic and PEC configurations will be discussed. Furthermore, we will highlight recent insights into how molecular design governs material functionality and device behavior, providing design guidelines for achieving efficient solar-driven hydrogen production.
