The limitations of photocatalysts are well-known, and there is extensive potential in microbial processes. Combining these fields could enhance redox selectivity, yet their intersection remains largely unexplored. The ERC prespective project aims to unlock novel solar-driven redox reactions by developing facet-aligned semiconductors to optimize electron transfer in bio-photoelectrochemical hybrids. By guiding selective biofilm growth on specific crystal facets and thin films, these systems could revolutionize solar energy conversion, expanding applications in renewable energy, environmental remediation, and biotechnology.

The project focuses on three main objectives:

Objective 1. Crystal facet engineering of semiconductors: Developing well-defined crystal facets and thin films of semiconductors with preferential crystal planes (e.g., BiVO₄, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, ZnO, etc.) to control surface properties and selectively enhance electron transfer interactions.

Objective 2. Govern the growth of selective biofilms through observation, understanding, and control: We hypothesize that random initial (i)rreversible attachment can evolve into facet-selective biofilm growth driven by electron transfer efficiency.  

Objective 3. Designing and characterizing Bio-photoelectrocatalyst hybrides: based on obtaining results of Objective 1 and 2, bio-photoelectrocatalysts will be designed and their photoelectrochemical properties will be characterzed.

To guarantee the success of the project, a research plan has been designed with an iterative approach (Figure 1), with knowledge gained applied in research, design, and control of processes of the next cycle.

 Team:

Dr. Tayebeh Sharifi [ 58448]

Dr. Marko Štrok [28486]

Dr. Aleš Lapanje [21408]

Dr. Saša Štrum [19030]

Dr. Mateja Podlogar [15555]