Interfacial properties and interfacial reactions of ionic liquids at semiconductors, carbonmaterials and their composites for energy applications

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This project describes an integrated action within the DFG-NSFC program targeting at a research collaboration between Harbin Institute of Technology, China (HIT) and Clausthal University of Technology, Germany (TU Clausthal). The joint research aims at the development of advanced analysis methods and design in situ techniques for the study of the interfacial properties and interfacial reactions of ionic liquids (ILs) at semiconductors, carbon based materials and their composites for energy applications. The developments of ILs as media for the production of electroactive materials and of ILs as electrolyte for sustainable energy technologies are of great interest, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, such as large electrochemical window and negligible vapor pressure. However, the relation between a detailed fundamental understanding of the interfacial properties and the energy efficiency of the device has to be addressed. In order to ensure the successful project implementation, the contributions and details of the research methodology of both cooperators are clearly defined. HIT will focus on the preparation of different kinds of materials, including nanostructured semiconductors, carbon based materials (carbon nanotube, graphene materials and porous carbon frameworks) and their composites (Si/graphene, Ge/graphene and TiO2 /carbon nanotube). TU Clausthal will mainly study the interfacial structure and interfacial reactions of ILs at the interface by in situ techniques, such as in situ AFM, in situ XPS and electrowetting. The projects goals will be pursued by investigating the effect of ions of the IL, structure of the substrate, metal speciation, electrode potential, and temperature using a combined electrochemical, chemical, and spectroscopic approach taking advantage of both ex-situ and in-situ techniques. Finally, these optimized materials (ILs, semiconductors and carbon based materials) will be integrated for sustainable energy devices. The integrated action will be executed via mutual exchanges and visits of the personnel involved from the two institutions. We provide some technical background information, describe the open problems to be addressed, and develop a plan for the collaborative research and publication efforts. The ability of the researchers involved to carry out the proposed research is demonstrated by a summary of their relevant previous scientific and management experience.