Abstract
Green hydrogen is a promising solution for decarbonizing energy systems and transforming future energy markets. Among various hydrogen production methods, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting stands out for its low environmental impact. However, high capital costs make it less competitive than established technologies like methane reforming. To address this, PEC water splitting should focus on its environmental and functional advantages, improved reactor design, component optimization, and scalability. This study tackles these challenges with three primary objectives. (1) Selective charge extraction layers (CELs) will be optimized to enhance charge collection, reduce recombination losses, and improve charge separation. (2) Techniques like photovoltage spectroscopy (PVS) and time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) will study charge dynamics at the photoelectrode-electrolyte interface. (3) The PEC system will be scaled to a 50 cm² active area, aiming for 90% quantum efficiency (QE), solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency >15%, and stability over 500 hours of continuous operation. This work integrates robust photoelectrodes and charge-selective components with commercial solar cells in a tandem configuration. Testing will be conducted in a patented membraneless reactor, modified for scalability. By achieving these goals, this study aims to position PEC water splitting as a viable and scalable solution for sustainable green hydrogen production.
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