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A light emitting diode based photoelectrochemical screener for distributed combinatorial materials discovery
Gates R Winkler1, Jay R Winkler
1Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., MC 139-74, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|December 2, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a novel, cost-effective system for discovering photoactive materials using an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a potentiostat. This approach accelerates the screening of new materials for solar fuel production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Combinatorial materials discovery accelerates the identification of novel materials.
- High-throughput screening is essential but capital-intensive.
- A distributed approach can broaden participation and reduce costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid screening system for photoactive materials.
- To enable the discovery of new materials for solar fuels production.
- To create a cost-effective alternative to traditional high-throughput methods.
Main Methods:
- Developed a system using an array of pulsed light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
- Synchronized LEDs with a two-electrode potentiostat for measurements.
- Measured photoelectrochemical responses of materials on conducting glass.
Main Results:
- The LED system enables rapid screening of combinatorial material arrays.
- Achieved a substantial reduction in scan time compared to raster scanning.
- Demonstrated a viable method for probing photoelectrochemical activity.
Conclusions:
- The developed LED-based system offers a faster and more accessible approach to materials discovery.
- This method is suitable for identifying photoactive materials for solar energy applications.
- Distributed combinatorial materials discovery can be effectively implemented with this technology.
