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Perovskite/Perovskite Tandem Photoelectrodes for Low-Cost Unassisted Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/2472520· OSTI ID:2472520
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [3];  [3];  [3];  [4];  [4]
  1. Univ. of Toledo, OH (United States); University of Toledo
  2. Univ. of Toledo, OH (United States)
  3. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
  4. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
In this project, we aim to address the challenges of achieving efficient and cost-effective unassisted photoelectrochemical water splitting using perovskite/perovskite tandem photoelectrodes. We utilized the following unique approaches to advance our innovation. (1) We developed stable and efficient low-Eg (1.2 – 1.4 eV) perovskites as the bottom electrodes. We demonstrated approaches to improve the photovoltaic performance and photothermal stability of low-Eg Sn-Pb iodide perovskite solar cells. (2) We developed a low-temperature synthesis route to fabricate wide-Eg (>1.8 eV) perovskite top electrodes. By combining theoretical and experimental investigation, we found methods to reduce the formation of defects and dislocations in the wide-Eg mixed halide perovskites and suppress halide segregation. (3) We developed a robust metal oxide-based interconnecting layer to integrate two perovskite layers into tandem photoelectrodes. Our monolithically integrated tandem devices feature a high VOC of more than 2 V and a high JSC of more than 15 mA/cm2. We showed the new design of the tandem photoelectrodes that is critical to the stable operation of tandem photoelectrodes for unassisted PV/PEC water splitting. (4) We demonstrated a water-impermeable barrier of carbon paste/epoxy/metal foil composite, which can prevent photocorrosion and water ingress of perovskite active layers. This surface protection enabled the operation of perovskite photoelectrodes in water and significantly enhanced the long-term stability of our tandem devices. (5) We conducted standardized PEC characterization in collaboration with NREL and reported accurate determination of solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiencies of perovskite/perovskite tandem photoelectrodes. At the end of the project, we demonstrated perovskite/perovskite tandem photoelectrodes with STH efficiencies of up to 18% and less than 20% efficiency loss after continuous operation for more than 500 hours in water. Our results demonstrate the potential to develop a low-cost, durable, and efficient water-splitting system that meets the DOE 2026 and 2031 cost targets for hydrogen production.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Toledo, OH (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO)
DOE Contract Number:
EE0008837
OSTI ID:
2472520
Report Number(s):
20240911--FTR-8837
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
Hydrogen Production
Perovskites
Water Splitting