Vapor-fed solar hydrogen production exceeding 15% efficiency using earth abundant catalysts and anion exchange membrane

Heremans, G.; Trompoukis, Christos; Daems, Nick; Bosserez, Tom; Vankelecom, Ivo F.J.; Martens, Johan A.; Rongé, Jan

doi:10.1039/c7se00373k

Cited by 42 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…However, the high operating temperature means a higher energy demand and a higher operational cost compared to rival technologies that typically operate below 100 o C. In addition, the high temperature they are still susceptible to physical damage 34,35 . To circumvent some of the aforementioned issues, recent studies have shown an interest towards using water vapour (including saline water) as water feeds in both PEMWE and AEMWE [36][37][38] . In these cases, air was bubbled through a saline aqueous media to reach high levels of humidity and gas phase electrolysis was conducted.…”

Section: Reactor Design Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrolysis of low-grade and saline surface water

et al. 2020

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Powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, marine, geothermal and wind, generation of storable hydrogen fuel through water electrolysis provides a promising path towards energy sustainability. However, state-of-the-art electrolysis requires support from associated processes such as desalination of water sources, further purification of desalinated water, and transportation of water, which often contribute financial and energy costs. One strategy to avoid these operations is to develop electrolysers that are capable of operating with impure water feeds directly. Here we review recent developments in electrode materials/catalysts for water electrolysis using low-grade and saline water, a significantly more abundant resource worldwide compared to potable water. We address the associated challenges in design of electrolysers, and discuss future potential approaches that may yield highly active and selective materials for water electrolysis in the presence of common impurities such as metal ions, chloride and bio-organisms. Freshwater is likely to become a scarce resource for many communities, with more than 80% of the world's population exposed to high risk levels of water security 1. This has been recognized within the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on Clean Water and Sanitation 2. At the same time, low-grade and saline water is a largely abundant resource which, used properly, can address SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy as well as SDG 13 on Climate Action. Hydrogen, a storable fuel, can be generated through water electrolysis and it may provide headway towards combating climate change and reaching zero emissions 3 , since the cycle of generation, consumption and regeneration of hydrogen can achieve carbon neutrality. In addition to providing a suitable energy store, hydrogen can be easily distributed and used in industry, households and transport. Hydrogen, and the related fuel cell industry, has the potential to bring positive economic and social impacts to local communities in terms of energy efficiency and job markets; globally the hydrogen market is expected to grow 33% to US$155 billion in 2022 4. However, there are remaining challenges related to the minimization of the cost and integration of hydrogen into daily life, as well as meeting the ultimate hydrogen cost targets of

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Section: Reactor Design Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrolysis of low-grade and saline surface water

et al. 2020

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“…The MoS x /TiO 2 can be expected to accommodate to various device structure for solar hydrogen production. Ronge and co‐workers have adopted a vapor‐fed electrolyzer equipped with an anion exchange membrane and driven by external solar electricity . Using NiFe and NiMo as the electrocatalysts for water oxidation and reduction separately, the device achieved an average STH value of 15.1%, verifying the effectiveness and feasibility of the electrolyteless device for large‐scale water splitting.…”

Section: Fundamental Requirements Of Materials For Photoelectrocatalymentioning

confidence: 99%

Photoelectrocatalytic Materials for Solar Water Splitting

Yao

Han

et al. 2018

Advanced Energy Materials

430

257

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Photoelectrocatalytic water splitting offers a promising approach to convert sunlight into sustainable hydrogen energy. A thorough understanding of the relationships between the properties and functions of photoelectrocatalytic materials plays a crucial role in the design and fabrication of efficient photoelectrochemical systems for water splitting. This review presents the advances in the development of efficient photoelectrocatalytic materials. First, the fundamentals involved in the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting are elaborated. Then, the critical properties of photoelectrocatalytic materials are classified and discussed according to the associated photoelectrochemical processes, including light absorption, charge separation, charge transportation, and photoelectrocatalytic reactions. The importance of heterointerfaces in photoelectrodes is also mentioned in conjunction with the illustration of some functional interlayer materials. Finally, some strategies that can be employed in material screening and optimization for the construction of highly efficient photoelectrochemical devices for water splitting are also discussed.

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“…[22] This IPEC cell may be fed by liquid water or water vapor in combination with a solid polymer electrolyte, such as Nafion. [22][23][24][25][26][27] We demonstrated over 100 h of steady solar-tohydrogen (STH) efficiency under a combination of steady-state and diurnal simulated light. [22] There was no noticeable degradation of the Pt and Ir electrocatalysts or the PV when appropriate water management, to limit water contact with the PV, was employed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Emergent Degradation Phenomena Demonstrated on Resilient, Flexible, and Scalable Integrated Photoelectrochemical Cells

Kistler

Zeng

Young

et al. 2020

Advanced Energy Materials

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Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides a pathway to generate sustainable clean fuels using the two most abundant resources on Earth: sunlight and water. Currently, most of the successful models of PEC cells are still fabricated on small scales near 1 cm2, which largely limits the mass deployment of solar‐fuel production. Here, the scale‐up to 8 cm2 of an integrated PEC (IPEC) device is demonstrated and its performance compared to a 1 cm2 IPEC cell, using state‐of‐the‐art iridium and platinum catalysts with III–V photoabsorbers. The initial photocurrents at 1 sun are 8 and 7 mA cm−2 with degradation rates of 0.60 and 0.47 mA cm−2 day−1, during unbiased operation for the 1 and 8 cm2 devices, respectively. Evaluating under outdoor and indoor conditions at two U.S. National Laboratories reveals similar results, evidencing the reproducibility of this design's performance. Furthermore, the emerging degradation mechanisms during scale‐up are investigated and the knowledge gained from this work will provide feedback to the broader community, since PEC device durability is a limiting factor in its potential future deployment.

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Vapor-fed solar hydrogen production exceeding 15% efficiency using earth abundant catalysts and anion exchange membrane

Abstract: A vapor-fed solar hydrogen generator with KOH-doped poly(vinyl alcohol) anion exchange membrane flanked with NiFe and NiMo catalysts is demonstrated.

Cited by 42 publications

References 47 publications

Electrolysis of low-grade and saline surface water

Electrolysis of low-grade and saline surface water

Photoelectrocatalytic Materials for Solar Water Splitting

Emergent Degradation Phenomena Demonstrated on Resilient, Flexible, and Scalable Integrated Photoelectrochemical Cells

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