Photochem (ISSN 2673-7256) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal of photochemistry, published quarterly online by MDPI.

My work focused on the production of Fe2O3 thin films by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition, for use in photo-electrochemical water splitting. This work was carried out as part of the European seventh framework project: SOLAROGENIX

My PhD was an interdisciplinary project between Chemistry and Built Environment Departments, exploring the manufacture, characterisation and energy saving potential of novel advanced glazing coatings.The research involved investigating the use of electric fields in chemical vapour deposition (CVD) reactions. CVD is one of the principle methods for producing thin films in the glazing industry; before commencing my PhD no significant research into the effect of electric fields in CVD reactions has been conducted in-spite of the promise for nanostructure formation and that this concept had shown in some small studies. The application of electric fields in CVD reactions allows for the production of thin films with unique nano-structures that may lead to enhanced and/or new properties. For example a specific nanostructure may lead to enhanced absorption or reflection over specific wavelengths of light that will prove to be useful in energy efficient glazing. Throughout my PhD I produced and characterised vanadium dioxide thermochromic thin films on glass substrates using this new methodology under the supervision of Dr. Binions. I have also carried out computational energy modelling simulations under the supervision of Dr. Ridley, to evaluate the potential energy savings of such new materials if installed in buildings. This was performed using the software Energy Plus TM a building simulation programme developed by the United States Department of Energy in conjunction with the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratories. Energy Plus is an established building simulation programme and is used within industry for the design and evaluation of new buildings. By working alongside Pilkington NSG and ARUP Global these models have been used to evaluate the ideal properties required by a thermochromic system as well as for the evaluation of current industry standards for solar control coatings.