lic. K. Zhu MSc (Kaijian) | University of Twente

I obtained a master degree in chemical engineering in 2018. During that period, my research focuses on the (photo)electrochemical water splitting by film-based semiconductor materials. Currently, I am Ph.D. student in the PhotoCatalytic Synthesis Group, working on carbon dioxide reduction and ultrafast spectroscopy.

Engineering & Materials Science

# Catalysis
# Dyes
# Photocathodes
# Plasmonic Nanoparticles
# Plasmonics
# Transition Metals

Chemistry

# Pseudorotaxane

Physics & Astronomy

# Metal Nitrides

Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW), Photocatalytic Synthesis (PCS)

Solar energy is an inexhaustible and clean energy source, and it has great potential to replace fossil fuels. Dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells are attractive due to their ability to convert solar energy into H2 via water splitting, or into hydrocarbons by CO2 reduction. My research focuses on the development of novel functionalized p-type materials. By optimizing the structure, nanomorphology, surface and functionalization of the materials, I aim to improve the solar conversion efficiency of the photocathodes. In conjunction with performance evaluation, I do time-resolved spectroscopic (femtosecond transient absorption, time-resolved photoluminescence, time-resolved microwave conductivity) to study the photodynamics, which is important for fundamental understanding and further improvement of the performance.

Bouwens, T., Bakker, T. , Zhu, K., Hasenack, J., Dieperink, M., Brouwer, A. M. , Huijser, A., Mathew, S., & Reek, J. (2023). Using supramolecular machinery to engineer directional charge propagation in photoelectrochemical devices. Nature chemistry, 15(2), 213-221. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-022-01068-y

Zhu, K. , Frehan, S. K. , Mul, G. , & Huijser, A. (2022). Dual Role of Surface Hydroxyl Groups in the Photodynamics and Performance of NiO-Based Photocathodes. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 144(24), 11010-11018. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c04301

Zhu, K. , Frehan, S. K., Jaros, A. , O'Neill, D. B. , Korterik, J. P. , Wenderich, K. , Mul, G. , & Huijser, A. (2021). Unraveling the Mechanisms of Beneficial Cu-Doping of NiO-Based Photocathodes. Journal of physical chemistry C, 125(29), 16049-16058. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c03553

O'Neill, D. B. , Frehan, S. K. , Zhu, K., Zoethout, E. , Mul, G., Garnett, E. , Huijser, A., & Askes, S. (2021). Ultrafast photoinduced heat generation by plasmonic HfN nanoparticles. Advanced Optical Materials, 9(19), [2100510]. https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202100510

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k.zhu@utwente.nl

Visiting Address

University of Twente
Faculty of Science and Technology
Horst - Meander (building no. 27), room 147
De Horst 2
7522LW Enschede
The Netherlands

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Mailing Address

University of Twente
Faculty of Science and Technology
Horst - Meander 147
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands

Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW), Photocatalytic Synthesis (PCS)

University of Twente Drienerlolaan 5
7522 NB Enschede

+31 (0)53 489 9111
info@utwente.nl
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