Photovoltaic (PV) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cells are energy technologies that convert sunlight into electricity or fuels. The main component common to both technologies is the semiconductor absorber, where photoactivated charge carriers are generated and transported. Established absorber technologies have matured to the point where PV is now cost competitive against all other energy sources for electricity production, but work remains to achieve higher efficiencies, lower costs, and diversify the materials space. On the other hand, the technology of generating fuels from photocatalytic processes is far less mature than energy generated by PV, due to stringent selection criteria for suitable photoelectrodes. In addition to spectrum-matched band gaps and favorable charge transport required for PV technologies, PEC absorbers must also have band edges that can drive chemistry with photogenerated carriers, stability in operating environments, and catalytic selectivity toward the desired reaction. Thus, additional research and development of emerging inorganic semiconductor absorber materials is needed to diversify the portfolio of existing PV—and especially PEC—solar cell technologies.

This symposium will cover all aspects of emerging inorganic photoabsorbers, with particular emphasis on materials for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical solar cells including novel oxides, chalcogenides, nitrides, and phosphides. In addition, we will consider contributions focusing on emerging photocatalysts, absorber/catalyst interactions, catalyst surface decoration, PEC cell designs, device encapsulants, and other materials supporting photocatalytic processes. Contributions on emerging contacts, buffers, transparent conductors, and other supporting materials for semiconductors as well as solid-state lighting and photodetectors are also welcome.

inorganic optical properties