Due to their unusual features such as planar morphology, catalytic edge effects, and variable bandgap energies, 2D metal oxides and chalcogenides are prime candidates for development in the process of photoelectrochemical water splitting. The incorporation of 2D materials has several benefits, including broadening the wavelength range over which the material absorbs visible light; improving charge carrier separation due to the formation of a favorable interface; dramatically increasing photocurrent; and increasing the stability of metal oxide photoelectrodes. This book investigates the recent advances in the field of metal oxides–chalcogenide hybrids and their application in solar cells. Chapters provide detailed and comprehensive descriptions of the fundamentals, synthesis, characterization, and designs of metal oxides–chalcogenide materials for photoelectrochemical and photoelectrolytic applications. The book is suitable for scientists, engineers, and researchers working in the areas of materials science, nanoscience, and nanotechnology.•Explores the design, synthesis, characterization, and applications of metal oxide–chalcogenide hybrid materials in solar energy conversion technologies •Provides a fundamental understanding of the materials science and engineering aspects behind metal oxide–chalcogenide hybrids, from precursor selection to nanostructuring methods and optimization of methodologies in synthesis and manufacturing processes •Discusses the photophysical features of metal oxide–chalcogenide hybrids, such as band gap engineering, charge carrier dynamics, and light absorption processes •Highlights metal oxide–chalcogenide hybrids in various energy conversion and storage applications, including their real-world applications to contribute to a cleaner energy landscape and reduce the carbon footprint of solar energy generation

The Future of Semiconductor Oxides in Next-Generation Solar Cells begins with several chapters covering the synthesis of semiconductor oxides for NGSCs. Part II goes on to cover the types and applications of NGSCs currently under development, while Part III brings the two together, covering specific processing techniques for NGSC construction. Finally, Part IV discusses the stability of SO solar cells compared to organic solar cells, and the possibilities offered by hybrid technologies. This comprehensive book is an essential reference for all those academics and professionals who require thorough knowledge of recent and future developments in the role of semiconductor oxides in next generation solar cells. - Unlocks the potential of advanced semiconductor oxides to transform Next Generation Solar Cell (NGSC) design - Full coverage of new developments and recent research make this essential reading for researchers and engineers alike - Explains the synthesis and processing of semiconductor oxides with a view to their use in NGSCs

This book guides beginners in the areas of thin film preparation, characterization, and device making, while providing insight into these areas for experts. As chemically deposited metal oxides are currently gaining attention in development of devices such as solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, sensors, etc., the book illustrates how the chemical deposition route is emerging as a relatively inexpensive, simple, and convenient solution for large area deposition. The advancement in the nanostructured materials for the development of devices is fully discussed.

This book outlines many of the techniques involved in materials development and characterization for photoelectrochemical (PEC) – for example, proper metrics for describing material performance, how to assemble testing cells and prepare materials for assessment of their properties, and how to perform the experimental measurements needed to achieve reliable results towards better scientific understanding. For each technique, proper procedure, benefits, limitations, and data interpretation are discussed. Consolidating this information in a short, accessible, and easy to read reference guide will allow researchers to more rapidly immerse themselves into PEC research and also better compare their results against those of other researchers to better advance materials development. This book serves as a “how-to” guide for researchers engaged in or interested in engaging in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. PEC water splitting is a rapidly growing field of research in which the goal is to develop materials which can absorb the energy from sunlight to drive electrochemical hydrogen production from the splitting of water. The substantial complexity in the scientific understanding and experimental protocols needed to sufficiently pursue accurate and reliable materials development means that a large need exists to consolidate and standardize the most common methods utilized by researchers in this field.