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Efficient direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion by in situ interface transformation of a tandem structure

Author

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  • Matthias M. May

    (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Institute for Solar Fuels
    Technische Universität Ilmenau
    Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

  • Hans-Joachim Lewerenz

    (California Institute of Technology, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis)

  • David Lackner

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE)

  • Frank Dimroth

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE)

  • Thomas Hannappel

    (Technische Universität Ilmenau)

Abstract

Photosynthesis is nature’s route to convert intermittent solar irradiation into storable energy, while its use for an industrial energy supply is impaired by low efficiency. Artificial photosynthesis provides a promising alternative for efficient robust carbon-neutral renewable energy generation. The approach of direct hydrogen generation by photoelectrochemical water splitting utilizes customized tandem absorber structures to mimic the Z-scheme of natural photosynthesis. Here a combined chemical surface transformation of a tandem structure and catalyst deposition at ambient temperature yields photocurrents approaching the theoretical limit of the absorber and results in a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 14%. The potentiostatically assisted photoelectrode efficiency is 17%. Present benchmarks for integrated systems are clearly exceeded. Details of the in situ interface transformation, the electronic improvement and chemical passivation are presented. The surface functionalization procedure is widely applicable and can be precisely controlled, allowing further developments of high-efficiency robust hydrogen generators.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms9286
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9286
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    Cited by:

    1. Yixin Xiao & Xianghua Kong & Srinivas Vanka & Wan Jae Dong & Guosong Zeng & Zhengwei Ye & Kai Sun & Ishtiaque Ahmed Navid & Baowen Zhou & Francesca M. Toma & Hong Guo & Zetian Mi, 2023. "Oxynitrides enabled photoelectrochemical water splitting with over 3,000 hrs stable operation in practical two-electrode configuration," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Austin M. K. Fehr & Ayush Agrawal & Faiz Mandani & Christian L. Conrad & Qi Jiang & So Yeon Park & Olivia Alley & Bor Li & Siraj Sidhik & Isaac Metcalf & Christopher Botello & James L. Young & Jacky E, 2023. "Integrated halide perovskite photoelectrochemical cells with solar-driven water-splitting efficiency of 20.8%," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Saraswat, Sushil Kumar & Rodene, Dylan D. & Gupta, Ram B., 2018. "Recent advancements in semiconductor materials for photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production using visible light," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 228-248.

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