Energy conversion chemistry: mechanisms of charge transfer at metal-oxide semiconductor/solution interfaces

Research into electron transfer kinetics and interfacial energetics is expanding the knowledge of the physical chemical basis for efficient sensitization of metal-oxide semiconductors used in solar cells. The semiconductor/liquid junction in the solar cell is responsible for the solar energy conversion through the movement of particles between the semiconductor and the solution through the semiconductor/solution interface. Every oxidation reaction is offset by a reduction reaction, increasing efficiency.