N1-0401

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 consists of five work packages (WPs). WP1 is dedicated to project management, and WP5 focuses on dissemination, exploitation, and communication activities. To ensure the project’s success, an iterative research plan has been designed across three of the WPs, as follows:

WP2: Engineering large crystal facets and thin films of semiconductors with preferred crystal planes.

WP3: Investigating random attachment of EAMs and crystal facet/plane selectivity observation.

WP4: Dynamic growth of biofilms guided by electron transfer.

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 Leader: Dr. Tayebeh Sharifi

Participating Research Organizations

Project Team Composition

• Reference - SICRIS
• COBISS.si-ID 240520195; Krešimir et al., Surface state-driven photoelectrochemical water oxidation enhancement in reactively co-sputtered Mo-doped BiVO₄ photoanodes, Electrochimica Acta, Vol. 531, 2025, 146357
• COBISS.si-ID 258427651; Sharifi et al.,Tunable phase junctions in Bi₂O₃–BiVO₄ thin films via reactive magnetron Co-sputtering for efficient carrier separation and enhanced photoelectrochemical performance, Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, Vol. 209, 2026, 113300