Researchers demonstrated hydrocarbon synthesis using lead halide perovskite photoabsorbers were combined with copper nanoflower catalysts.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells are under intensive development for the synthesis of solar fuels, but CO2 reduction typically only results in simple building blocks such as HCOO–. Here, we demonstrat...

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells are under intensive development for the synthesis of solar fuels, but CO2 reduction typically only results in simple building blocks such as HCOO–. Here, we demonstrat...

The world's first center for solar batteries and optoionic technologies is being founded in a partnership between TUM and the Max Planck Society.

How can we produce clean hydrogen without burning fossil hydrocarbons or other non-renewable energy sources? We can do so through photoelectrochemistry, or artificial photosynthesis, a method that—jus...

The Tilley Research Group at the University of Zurich (UZH) pioneers the development of advanced materials for solar fuels and organic electrosynthesis. Under the leadership of Prof. David Tilley, the...

Photoelectrochemical cells can push green hydrogen directly from water without the need for standalone solar panels.

Published in Journal of the American Chemical Society

Tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films find applications in a variety of fields, including chromism, gas sensing, and photoelectrochemistry. In the context of each application, the necessity arises for the identification of specific material properties. In this study, we propose a sol–gel methodology that facilitates the modulation of material properties through the precise manipulation of synthesis parameters. The calcination temperature, template concentration, and number of dip coating steps were found to have a significant impact on the crystallinity, (002) facet exposure, surface area, band gap, and absorption efficiency of the mesoporous WO3 thin films. In the context of photoelectrochemical water oxidation, it has been determined that the crystallinity, band gap, and light absorption of the material are positively correlated with enhanced bulk processes. Photocurrent values of up to 3.75 mA cm–2 at 1.23 V vs RHE under AM 1.5 G illumination were achieved, while external quantum yields of 58% were also obtained. The systematic correlation between synthesis parameters and material properties, as outlined in this study, offers a straightforward and efficient method for adjusting WO3 thin film properties to meet specific application requirements.

Nature Communications, Published online: 22 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-68359-7Enhancing the selectivity of molecular recognition within (photo)-electrochemical systems has consistently presented a challenge. Here, the authors report a dark-enhanced photoelectrochemical mechanism for the highly selective quantitative analysis of glutathione on a BiOBr photocathode.

Nature Communications, Published online: 22 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-68359-7Enhancing the selectivity of molecular recognition within (photo)-electrochemical systems has consistently presented a challenge. Here, the authors report a dark-enhanced photoelectrochemical mechanism for the highly selective quantitative analysis of glutathione on a BiOBr photocathode.