Atomic force microscopy: Emerging illuminated and operando techniques for solar fuel research

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Integrated photoelectrochemical devices are crucial for sustainable fuel generation using sunlight.
• Nanoscale properties of device components significantly influence charge generation, transport, and catalysis.
• Understanding structure-property relationships is key to designing efficient solar fuel systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques for solar fuel research.
• To highlight AFM's capability in probing nanoscale characteristics of photoelectrochemical devices.
• To identify future research opportunities for AFM in solar fuel applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale spatial resolution.
• Applying AFM for steady-state and dynamic light-induced surface photovoltage measurements.
• Employing nanoelectrical conductive measurements and operando investigations in liquid environments.

Main Results:

• AFM techniques enable detailed analysis of charge-carrier generation and transport.
• Nanoelectrical measurements resolve heterogeneity and junction energetics.
• Operando AFM provides insights into morphological changes and electrochemical potentials under working conditions.

Conclusions:

• AFM-based techniques are powerful tools for understanding solar fuel device mechanisms at the nanoscale.
• Further development of AFM methods will enhance the design of efficient and scalable solar fuel technologies.
• Future research should focus on controlled ambient conditions and in situ/operando studies for comprehensive analysis.