Projects

Solar Hydrogen

The aim of this project is to design, fabricate and integrate low-cost semiconductors and catalysts for direct solar-to-hydrogen production systems. Analogous to solar power, high solar energy to hydrogen conversion (STH) efficiencies are key to low-cost renewable hydrogen. We are leveraging the rapid advancement in Silicon/Perovskite tandem cells, combined with high performance, low-cost catalysts to design robust integrated solar-driven water splitting systems.

Improving Efficiency, Durability & Cost-effectiveness
of III-V Semiconductors

This project aims to demonstrate a photo-electrochemical system using III-V multi-junction semiconductors through cost-effective epitaxial lift-off techniques that are surface modified for robust operation. Direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion presents the most promising technique for achieving both high efficiency and lower costs by eliminating various efficiency loss mechanisms and reducing capital expenditure.

Group Posters

View a sample of our team’s work on our group posters.

Group Posters

View a sample of our team’s work on our
group posters.

Related Projects at the
Australian National University

Renewable Chemical Fuels using III-V Semiconductors

Solar energy has the greatest potential to replace fossil fuels among all carbon-free energy sources. Given that electricity only accounts for 30% of global energy consumption, breakthroughs in renewable energy storage are needed to fulfil the rest of global energy requirement. The chemical bonds found in fuels provide one of the densest ways to store energy.

The ANU is continuously recruiting outstanding graduates for research projects on the following topics:

  • Epitaxial growth of metamorphic and lattice-matched III-V multi-junction semiconductor materials

  • Development of low-cost, controlled lift-off techniques to separate epitaxially grown materials as thin-films and allow the reuse of substrate wafers

  • Nanofabrication

  • Interfacial engineering of semiconductors to achieve effective surface stabilisation and catalyst functionalisation for robust operation

  • Materials characterisation (structural, optical and electrical) and PEC testing