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Assessing elevated pressure impact on photoelectrochemical water splitting via multiphysics modeling

Author

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  • Feng Liang

    (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH)

  • Roel van de Krol

    (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
    Department of Chemistry)

  • Fatwa F. Abdi

    (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
    City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising approach for sustainable hydrogen production. Previous studies have focused on devices operated at atmospheric pressure, although most applications require hydrogen delivered at elevated pressure. Here, we address this critical gap by investigating the implications of operating PEC water splitting directly at elevated pressure. We evaluate the benefits and penalties associated with elevated pressure operation by developing a multiphysics model that incorporates empirical data and direct experimental observations. Our analysis reveals that the operating pressure influences bubble characteristics, product gas crossover, bubble-induced optical losses, and concentration overpotential, which are crucial for the overall device performance. We identify an optimum pressure range of 6–8 bar for minimizing losses and achieving efficient PEC water splitting. This finding provides valuable insights for the design and practical implementation of PEC water splitting devices, and the approach can be extended to other gas-producing (photo)electrochemical systems. Overall, our study demonstrates the importance of elevated pressure in PEC water splitting, enhancing the efficiency and applicability of green hydrogen generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Liang & Roel van de Krol & Fatwa F. Abdi, 2024. "Assessing elevated pressure impact on photoelectrochemical water splitting via multiphysics modeling," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49273-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49273-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthias M. May & Hans-Joachim Lewerenz & David Lackner & Frank Dimroth & Thomas Hannappel, 2015. "Efficient direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion by in situ interface transformation of a tandem structure," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, November.
    2. Keisuke Obata & Michael Schwarze & Tabea A. Thiel & Xinyi Zhang & Babu Radhakrishnan & Ibbi Y. Ahmet & Roel Krol & Reinhard Schomäcker & Fatwa F. Abdi, 2023. "Solar-driven upgrading of biomass by coupled hydrogenation using in situ (photo)electrochemically generated H2," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Xinjian Shi & Hokyeong Jeong & Seung Jae Oh & Ming Ma & Kan Zhang & Jeong Kwon & In Taek Choi & Il Yong Choi & Hwan Kyu Kim & Jong Kyu Kim & Jong Hyeok Park, 2016. "Unassisted photoelectrochemical water splitting exceeding 7% solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency using photon recycling," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-6, September.
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