Scalable Photovoltaic‐Electrochemical Cells for Hydrogen Production from Water ‐ Recent Advances

Abstract

Hydrogen is regarded as a very important pillar for the future energy supply because it is readily available from water and can be used for environmentally friendly electricity generation. Hydrogen can be produced in various ways. Water splitting powered by renewable resources (e. g., solar, wind, etc.) can be an ideal way of hydrogen generation in the future since this approach can achieve true net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. This review article is aimed at giving an overview of the state-of-the-art hydrogen generation driven by photovoltaics (PVs) on a relatively large-scale (with PV area > 50 cm 2 ). The basic knowledge/principle of (PV-driven) water splitting is introduced in the beginning part. Then, different types of PV-driven water splitting devices and the recent advances in scalable PVelectrochemical water splitting devices are intensively reviewed in the middle part. Finally, cost predictions and challenges that need to be addressed are presented at the end of this article.

Advances and Practical Prospects for Bias‐Free Photovoltaic‐Driven Electrochemical Water Splitting Systems

“…The LCA method needs to provide the total hydrogen production cost, and the PV-driven electrolytic system analysis uses the Levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) to measure. [8,75] The LCOH [67] Copyright 2016, Wiley-VCH. b) Schematic diagram and stability test of PV-EC device for photoinduced water splitting based on the molecular anode.…”

“…The research anchor point is oriented toward combining PV devices and electrolytic modules. [ 8 ] Compared with PEC, PV‐EC devices combine the mature technologies of each development and adopt separate light‐absorbing PV and electrolytic function EC. PV/electrolyzer hybrid systems with power conversion devices and bias‐free water splitting device design of catalytic devices separated by conductive contacts can notably enhance solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency (η STH ), as it allows directional charge transport to the catalyst surface for reaction progression.…”

“…PV/electrolyzer hybrid systems with power conversion devices and bias‐free water splitting device design of catalytic devices separated by conductive contacts can notably enhance solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency (η STH ), as it allows directional charge transport to the catalyst surface for reaction progression. [ 4,8 ] PV devices convert solar energy into electricity, delivered to the electrolytic system to drive water splitting.…”

“…The LCA method needs to provide the total hydrogen production cost, and the PV‐driven electrolytic system analysis uses the Levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) to measure. [ 8,75 ] The LCOH is calculated by comparing all costs incurred due to construction and operation over the entire life cycle with the total energy generated, and the formula is as follows $$$$\begin{equation}LCOH\ = \frac{{{{\mathrm{I}}}_0 + \mathop \sum \nolimits_{t = 1}^{t = n} \frac{{{A}_t}}{{{{\left( {1 + i} \right)}}^t}}}}{{\mathop \sum \nolimits_{t = 1}^{t = n} \frac{{{H}_t}}{{{{\left( {1 + i} \right)}}^t}}}}\end{equation}$$$$…”

Comparative techno-economic analysis of different PV-assisted direct solar hydrogen generation systems

“…More recently, research and development has begun to shift to scaling-up and commercialising DSHG systems. 14 Lab demonstrations of modules with areas exceeding >50 cm 2 25 and 300 cm 2 26 have been achieved. Very recently, a kilowatt scale DSHG pilot plant capable of co-generation of hydrogen and heat was reported by researchers from EPFL.…”