Dual Approaches to Chemistry Research: An investigation of Catalytic Mismatching as a Guiding Principle in Photoelectrochemical CO\(_{2}\) Reduction and the Application of a Virtual Escape Room as a Teaching Tool in a General Chemistry Classroom

Abstract

Catalytic mismatching in photoelectrochemical systems presents a promising solution to the large overpotentials and the competition with the water reduction reaction that currently plague the CO\(_{2}\) reduction reaction. This study seeks to further investigate the theory of catalytic mismatching, by testing the CuGa\(_{y}\)In\(_{1-y}\)S\(_{2}\) + Ni\(_{3}\)Al/TiO\(_{2}\) system and the CuInSe\(_{2}\) + Ni\(_{3}\)Ga/TiO\(_{2}\) system, which each deviate slightly from the original catalytic mismatching system of CuInSe\(_{2}\) + Ni\(_{3}\)Al/TiO\(_{2}\). Photocurrents were observed for both the CuGa\(_{y}\)In\(_{1-y}\)S\(_{2}\) + Ni\(_{3}\)Al/TiO\(_{2}\) and the CuInSe\(_{2}\) + Ni\(_{3}\)Ga/TiO\(_{2}\) composite electrodes, indicating the successful creation of a photoelectrochemical system, a necessary first step in a catalytic mismatching system. Additional studies in this work address the lack of small group activities available to undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work reports the creation and implementation of a virtual escape room for use in a general chemistry classroom. Taken in preparation for their final exam, over 85% of the students reported that the escape room effectively facilitated small group discussion, indicating to instructors that this tool has potential as a teaching tool for future semesters, virtual or in-person.