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Strategies to improve light utilization in solar fuel synthesis

Author

Listed:
  • Qian Wang

    (University of Cambridge
    Nagoya University
    Nagoya University)

  • Chanon Pornrungroj

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Stuart Linley

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Erwin Reisner

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

The synthesis of fuels using sunlight offers a promising sustainable solution for chemical energy storage, but inefficient utilization of the solar spectrum limits its commercial viability. Apart from fundamental improvements to (photo)catalyst materials, solar fuel production systems can also be designed to improve solar energy utilization by integrating complementary technologies that more efficiently utilize the solar spectrum. Here we review recent progress on emerging complementary approaches to better modify, enhance or distribute solar energy for sunlight-to-fuel conversion, including advanced light management, integrated thermal approaches and solar concentrators. These strategies can improve the efficiency and production rates of existing photo(electro)chemical systems and, therefore, the overall economics of solar fuel production. More broadly, the approaches highlight the necessary collaboration between materials science and engineering to help drive the adoption of a sustainable energy economy using existing technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian Wang & Chanon Pornrungroj & Stuart Linley & Erwin Reisner, 2022. "Strategies to improve light utilization in solar fuel synthesis," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 13-24, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:7:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41560-021-00919-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-021-00919-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhao, Ning & Wang, Jiangjiang, 2024. "Solar full spectrum management in low and medium temperature light-driven chemical hydrogen synthesis - A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    2. Hyo Jin Gwon & Geonwoo Park & JaeHyoung Yun & WonHyoung Ryu & Hyun S. Ahn, 2023. "Prolonged hydrogen production by engineered green algae photovoltaic power stations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Bilawal Khan & M. Bilal Faheem & Karthik Peramaiah & Jinlan Nie & Hao Huang & Zhongxiao Li & Chen Liu & Kuo-Wei Huang & Jr-Hau He, 2024. "Unassisted photoelectrochemical CO2-to-liquid fuel splitting over 12% solar conversion efficiency," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Isaac Holmes-Gentle & Saurabh Tembhurne & Clemens Suter & Sophia Haussener, 2023. "Kilowatt-scale solar hydrogen production system using a concentrated integrated photoelectrochemical device," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 8(6), pages 586-596, June.

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