Stable Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution for 1000 h at 14% Efficiency in a Monolithic Vapor-fed Device. Issue 6 (19th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kistler, Tobias A.; Um, Min Young; Agbo, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Volume 167:Issue 6(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03-19
• Subjects: Water Splitting -- Solar Fuel -- Hydrogen; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.3705
• DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ab7d93
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4651

Abstract

Abstract : This report builds on our recent disclosure of a fully-integrated, photoelectrochemical (PEC) device for hydrogen evolution using a structure incorporating a III–V triple-junction photovoltaic (PV) embedded in a Nafion membrane. Catalyst integration is realized by compression of catalyst-modified, carbon electrodes against the front and back PV contacts, resulting in a wireless, monolithic PEC assembly. Using this device architecture, we demonstrate significant enhancements in device stability and longevity, by transitioning from a liquid-water to water-vapor anode. Our use of a gas-fed anode enables 1000 h of cumulative device operation at a peak solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 14%, during simulated, solar illumination at 1 sun and outdoor, diurnal cycling. Vapor-fed water oxidation is shown to reduce drops in device performance by mitigating the corrosion effects that are commonly associated with full-aqueous immersion of the electrochemical and photovoltaic elements in PEC devices.