Hybrid nanomaterials and nanosystems for solar fuel production

Abstract

Junctions and interfaces are in the heart of functional molecular and hybrid nanomaterials but also can pose detrimental barriers to charge- and energy-transfer processes, and to catalytic activity that can be completely inhibited by inappropriate binding and conformation on the surface. In order to overcome the lack of more in deep knowledge on the structure and the mechanisms of functioning of photosynthetic nanosystems at the atomic/molecular scale, particularly at the interface, a world-unique combination of experimental and theoretical competences was set, including state of the art high-performance SR-based technique. One of such techniques is XPS, particularly when based on state of the art highly focused high brilliance synchrotron beamlines, such as those found at MAX IV, together with the well-recognized expertise and leadership of Prof. Dr. Olle Björneholn and his research group, characterized by strong background in theory and development of new instrumentations for interface analyses, associated with advanced simulation of the electronic properties of molecules and nanomaterials in vacuum, as well as in solution and interfaces. This project aims to strenghten the collaborative framework in order to allow stepping forward in the elucidation of most fundamental propertiesof materiais and interfaces contributing to the development of photosynthetic nanosystems suitable for solar fuel production. (AU)