Gas-fed photoelectrochemical reactions sustained by phosphotungstic acid as an inorganic surface electrolyte

Abstract

Phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40) can function as a surface solid electrolyte for porous WO3 photoanode in gas-phase photoelectrochemical reactions such as water vapour splitting and methane conversion in the absence of liquid electrolytes.

Photoelectrochemical Conversion of Methane to Ethane and Hydrogen under Visible Light Using Functionalized Tungsten Trioxide Photoanodes with Proton Exchange Membrane

“…The PEM can separate H 2 evolved on the cathode from the oxidized products on the photoanode side. This PEM-based PEC system addresses challenges related to the solubility of hydrophobic methane in aqueous electrolyte solutions. ,, While the gas-phase PEC strategy for methane conversion is promising in terms of quantum efficiency and visible-light responsivity compared to photocatalytic systems, optimizing its performance is essential, as it relies on emerging technologies of PEM–PEC cells.…”

“…2,3,22,23 A proton exchange membrane (PEM) served as a solid electrolyte to manage the gaseous molecule at high concentrations, facilitating vapor-fed water splitting through integration with the functionalized macroporous photoanodes for oxygen evolution. 24,25 The photoexcited electrons move to the Pt−C catalyst cathode, reducing the number of protons to produce H 2 . The PEM can separate H 2 evolved on the cathode from the oxidized products on the photoanode side.…”