Hybrid Composite Coatings for Durable and Efficient Solar Hydrogen Generation under Diverse Operating Conditions

Walczak, Karl A.; Segev, Gideon; Larson, David M.; Beeman, Jeffrey W.; Houle, Frances A.; Sharp, Ian D.

doi:10.1002/aenm.201602791

Title: Hybrid Composite Coatings for Durable and Efficient Solar Hydrogen Generation under Diverse Operating Conditions

Journal Article · Fri Feb 17 00:00:00 EST 2017 · Advanced Energy Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201602791· OSTI ID:1379904

Walczak, Karl A. ^[1]; Segev, Gideon ^[1]; Larson, David M. ^[1]; Beeman, Jeffrey W. ^[1]; Houle, Frances A. ^[1]; Sharp, Ian D. ^[1]

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Safe and practical solar‐driven hydrogen generators must be capable of efficient and stable operation under diurnal cycling with full separation of gaseous H ₂ and O ₂ products. In this study, a novel architecture that fulfills all of these requirements is presented. The approach is inherently scalable and provides versatility for operation under diverse electrolyte and lighting conditions. The concept is validated using a 1 cm ² triple‐junction photovoltaic cell with its illuminated photocathode protected by a composite coating comprising an organic encapsulant with an embedded catalytic support. The device is compatible with operation under conditions ranging from 1 m H ₂ SO ₄ to 1 m KOH, enabling flexibility in selection of semiconductor, electrolyte, membrane, and catalyst. Stable operation at a solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of >10% is demonstrated under continuous operation, as well as under diurnal light cycling for at least 4 d, with simulated sunlight. Operational characteristics are validated by extended time outdoor testing. A membrane ensures products are separated, with nonexplosive gas streams generated for both alkaline and acidic systems. Analysis of operational characteristics under different lighting conditions is enabled by comparison of a device model to experimental data.

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Research Organization:: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231; SC0004993

OSTI ID:: 1379904

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1398282

Journal Information:: Advanced Energy Materials, Vol. 7, Issue 13; ISSN 1614-6832

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Cited by: 21 works

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Integrated Membrane-Electrode-Assembly Photoelectrochemical Cell under Various Feed Conditions for Solar Water Splitting Kistler, Tobias A.; Larson, David; Walczak, Karl Journal of The Electrochemical Society, Vol. 166, Issue 5 https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0041905jes	journal	December 2018

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Title: Hybrid Composite Coatings for Durable and Efficient Solar Hydrogen Generation under Diverse Operating Conditions

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