Semiconductors for energy and environment

Oxide semiconductors are super versatile materials with a wide range of applications in energy environment fields. We mainly work on ZnO and TiO2 for low-emission (low-E) glass and photocatalysis. Low-E glass contains thin, transparent coating that reflects infrared radiation (heat) while allowing visible light to pass through. It improves energy efficiency in buildings — keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. Photocatalysis uses light to drive chemical reactions for breaking down pollutants in air or water and for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Our unique processing by milli-second flash lamp can further reduce the cost and improve the performance.

Related Publications

Al-delta-doped ZnO films made by atomic layer deposition and flash-lamp annealing for low-emissivity coating
G. Zhang, O. Steuer, R. Li, Y. Cheng, R. Hübner, M. Helm, S. Zhou, Y. Liu, S. Prucnal
Applied Surface Science 648, 159046 (2024)

TiO2 phase engineering by millisecond range annealing for highly efficient photocatalysis
S. Prucnal, R. Gago, D. Gonzales Calatayud, L. Rebohle, M. Oskar Liedke, M. Butterling, A. Wagner, M. Helm, S. Zhou
Journal of Physical Chemistry C 127, 12686-12694 (2023)