Raffaello Mazzaro

Development of multilayered and nanostructured semiconductors for the photoelectrochemical conversion of sunlight into solar fuels (Hydrogen, Methane etc.).

The proposed internship will address the whole development process, starting from the synthesis of thin film nanostructures by physical vapor deposition methods (Sputtering, thermal or e-beam evaporation), their structural characterization (XRD, SEM, TEM and optical spectroscopy) and the investigation of functional properties by steady-state and time-resolved electro- and photoelectrochemical techniques.

Operando structural characterization of thin films for photoelectrochemical water splitting by synchrotron radiation techniques (XANES, EXAFS, FEXRAV)

The thesis will be devoted at the development of an experimental setup for the structural analysis of thin films employed as absorbing layers or catalysts for the photoelectrochemical conversion of water to hydrogen. Specifically, the student will assist in the design of a synchrotron/FEL radiation experiment (ESRF/XFEL depending on the allocated beamtime) and the analysis of the produced data.