A Review of Recent Developments in Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Process

Abstract

In this review, we provide a short overview of the Molecular Dynamics (MD) method and how it can be used to model the water splitting process in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. We cover classical non-reactive and reactive MD techniques as well as multiscale extensions combining classical MD with quantum chemical and continuum methods. Selected examples of MD investigations of various aqueous semiconductor interfaces with a special focus on TiO2 are discussed. Finally, we identify gaps in the current state-of-the-art where further developments will be needed for better utilization of MD techniques in the field of water splitting.

Keywords

• water splitting
• photo electrochemistry
• molecular dynamics
• classical force fields
• ab initio simulations