(Photo)electrochemical approaches for renewable energy storage into high-added value chemicals

Abstract

An energy transition toward a clean and sustainable model is crucial to overcome the well-known problems related to traditional coal energy consumption. In this regard, the generation and storage of renewable energies is key to this transition. (Photo)electrochemical systems powered by renewable energy have emerged as a promising technology for storing renewable energy in chemical bonds. However, the scalability of efficient, durable and cost-effective (photo)electrochemical systems is still challenging. With this purpose, this doctoral thesis aims at studying the implementation of non-critical materials as catalysts for (photo)electrochemical conversion reactions of interest. The main contributions of this thesis are the optimized synthesis of Cu2-xS electrocatalysts for the H2 evolution and for the CO2 reduction. It also provides comprehensive electrochemical, structural, and morphological characterization and the implementation of selective contact engineering strategies for the development of versatile switchable photoelectrodes based on heterostructured inorganic halide perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals for organic transformations.