Abstract

Single Entity Electrochemistry and Photoelectrochemistry of Semiconducting Nanoparticles

Author(s): Sara Brown

Semiconducting nanoparticles (SC NPs) are essential in a variety of new technical applications such as optoelectronic devices, sensors, and catalysts. Recent study on the single entity electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry of SC NPs is a fascinating subject that has grown in popularity in recent years. The nano-impact approach opens up new avenues for researching electron transfer mechanisms at the single particle level and allows for the discovery of intrinsic (photo) electrochemical activities of SC NPs. In this paper, we present a review of recent research on the electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry of single SC NPs using the nano-impact approach. The first topics covered are the redox reactions and electrocatalysis of single metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) NPs and chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs). Following that, the photoelectrochemistry of single SC NPs such as TiO2 and ZnO NPs is summarised. The important discoveries and problems for each issue are emphasised, as are our thoughts on future study areas.