Publication date: 22nd July 2026
The semiconductor–electrolyte interface plays a central role in determining the efficiency of photoelectrochemical water splitting, where light absorption, charge separation, charge transfer, and catalytic reactions are intimately coupled. Although significant progress has been made in developing nanostructured photoelectrodes, understanding how interfacial properties govern these processes remains a major challenge for the realization of efficient and durable solar hydrogen production.
This contribution presents selected studies on nanostructured semiconductor photoelectrodes, with the aim of discussing how interface engineering influences charge-transfer processes and water-splitting performance. Through the combination of controlled nanostructure synthesis with structural, morphological, optical, and photoelectrochemical characterization, we examine the effects of morphology, crystallographic structure, surface chemistry, and catalyst integration on carrier transport, surface recombination, and reaction kinetics.
Particular attention will be devoted to the opportunities offered by surface functionalization and heterostructure design to reduce charge transfer resistance and promote interfacial reactions, as well as to the limitations that still hinder the widespread implementation of these approaches. By highlighting both the strengths and the shortcomings of current interface engineering strategies, we will discuss the challenges associated with improving stability, understanding dynamic interfacial processes, and establishing reliable structure–property relationships.
The presented examples illustrate how correlating nanoscale interfacial characteristics with photoelectrochemical performance can provide valuable insight into the design of more efficient photoelectrodes. At the same time, they underscore the need for complementary in situ and operando characterization together with multiscale modelling to achieve a comprehensive understanding of solid–liquid interfaces and to guide the development of next-generation materials for solar fuel production.
Kempe Foundation, Knut & Alice Wallenberg foundation, VINNOVA, LTU labbfund, LTU Jubilee Grant, Interreg AURORA "H2BRIDGE" are kindly acknowledged for financial support.
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