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Monolithic Photoelectrochemical Device for Direct Water Splitting with 19% Efficiency

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Cheng, WH 
Richter, MH 
May, MM 
Ohlmann, J 
Lackner, D 

Abstract

Recent rapid progress in efficiencies for solar water splitting by photoelectrochemical devices has enhanced its prospects to enable storable renewable energy. Efficient solar fuel generators all use tandem photoelectrode structures, and advanced integrated devices incorporate corrosion protection layers as well as heterogeneous catalysts. Realization of near thermodynamic limiting performance requires tailoring the energy band structure of the photoelectrode and also the optical and electronic properties of the surface layers exposed to the electrolyte. Here, we report a monolithic device architecture that exhibits reduced surface reflectivity in conjunction with metallic Rh nanoparticle catalyst layers that minimize parasitic light absorption. Additionally, the anatase TiO2 protection layer on the photocathode creates a favorable internal band alignment for hydrogen evolution. An initial solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 19.3 % is obtained in acidic electrolyte and an efficiency of 18.5 % is achieved at neutral pH condition (under simulated sunlight).

Description

Keywords

cond-mat.mtrl-sci, cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Journal Title

ACS Energy Letters

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2380-8195
2380-8195

Volume Title

3

Publisher

American Chemical Society (ACS)