Tuning the Electrolytes for High Efficiency Solar Splitting of Water

The breakthrough discovery of photo-induced oxidation of water in room temperature ionic liquids has
opened new pathways for artificial photosynthesis under benign conditions. This project aims to develop an
efficient photoelectrochemical system based on ionic liquid electrolytes that uses sunlight to split water into
hydrogen and oxygen for subsequent use as clean and renewable fuel sources with no carbon dioxide
emission. The technology is urgently needed to address the global energy demand and climate change
problem. The project emphasizes both fundamental science and commercial impact. The development of
novel ionic liquid electrolytes will be accompanied by generation of new semiconductor materials.