Rare-Earth-Containing Materials for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Applications

Abstract

Abstract Rare earth elements have become increasingly important in catalytic and energy production processes largely due to their optoelectronic properties emerging from their unique electronic structure and the influence of 4f electrons. Lanthanide-containing materials additionally offer the opportunity to tune light absorption in infrared region and convert the long wavelength excitation energy into shorter wavelength output through an upconversion process, which effectively improves the overall light harvesting and photon management in the materials. In this chapter, we review the potential of rare-earth-doped materials, rare earth-based oxide–oxide composites, and ternary oxide materials in the fields of photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic water splitting. Following a brief account of the physical principles governing the energy absorption and conversion in rare earth materials, comprehensive analysis of the photocatalytic activity of lanthanide-based materials and their structural and electronic modifications is provided. Finally, the status and perspectives of rare earth materials in photoelectrochemical tandem cells are discussed that underline the significance of this material class in addressing the challenges of clean and sustainable energy.