XFEL: Electron dynamics of quantum dots in titanium dioxide systems

Quantum dots help to capture light so that it can trigger electrochemical processes. Here, Friedrich Roth from the TU Bergakademie Freiberg is investigating quantum dots made of silver (Ag), indium (In) and sulphur (S) in combination with zinc sulphide on titanium dioxide surfaces at the SXP instrument of European XFEL in Schenefeld near Hamburg. The advantage of this combination of materials is that they do not contain any toxic heavy metals such as cadmium or lead, which are (or have to be) widely used today. The aim is to use the knowledge of electrochemical processes to produce more efficient solar modules in the future or to optimise photocatalytic reactions, for example to split water to produce hydrogen in a cost-effective and sustainable way.

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