Stand-alone Photoelectrochemical Tandem Devices for Solar-driven Overall Water Splitting

Objective

The project proposes to convert solar energy into hydrogen fuel by utilizing a thermoelectric integrated tandem photoelectrochemical (PEC) system with the main goal of generating a robust, scalable, and competitive solution of solar energy technologies. The project will focus on materials development, rigorous characterization, cell development, and prototyping. We will utilize solution-based techniques to address the urgent need for efficient absorbers for PEC systems via transferable methods for large scale production. We will target cost-effective and abundant materials for all required components without sacrificing their performance. Our proposed system will be the first work on solar driven-overall water splitting utilizing solution processing routes with benign molecular ink for photoabsorber synthesis coupled with earth-abundant and low-cost material cocatalysts. Furthermore, rigorous in-situ characterization will provide an overview of the overall processes involved in PEC reactions which will further guide system design. Finally, a prototype of an efficient and durable PEC cell will be realized.