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Lithium Photo-intercalation of CdS-Sensitized WO3 Anode for Energy Storage and Photoelectrochromic Applications
Zhuoran Wang1, Hsien-Chieh Chiu1, Andrea Paolella2
1Materials Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada.
Chemsuschem
|February 17, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a novel nanocomposite anode for light-chargeable devices, enabling solar energy storage via lithium-ion photo-intercalation. However, the cadmium sulfide component showed degradation, necessitating further research into material stability and protective coatings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Integrating solar energy harvesting and storage is crucial for developing light-chargeable devices.
- Nanocomposite anodes offer potential for electrochemical energy storage and photoelectrochromic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a nanocomposite anode for simultaneous solar energy storage and photoelectrochromic properties.
- To explore the mechanism of lithium-ion photo-intercalation facilitated by photoelectrons.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanocomposite anode comprising WO3 coated with TiO2 and sensitized by CdS.
- Electrochemical testing to evaluate photocharge-discharge performance.
- Analysis of photoelectron transport mechanisms under light exposure.
Main Results:
- The WO3 component demonstrated functionality across multiple photocharge-discharge cycles.
- Photoelectrons from CdS were successfully transported to the WO3/electrolyte interface, enabling Li-ion intercalation.
- The TiO2 interlayer facilitated photoelectron transport.
- The CdS component exhibited degradation and photocorrosion issues.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanocomposite shows promise for light-chargeable devices and photoelectrochromic applications.
- Material stability, particularly of the CdS component, is a key challenge.
- Further research should focus on selecting compatible semiconductors and implementing protective coating strategies to enhance device longevity.
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