A Solar Photoelectrochemical Cell for Unbiased Hydrogen Production

R&D Focus Areas:
Photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic processes

Lead Organisation:
The University of Adelaide

Status:
Active

Start date:
July 2024

Completion date:
July 2027

Key contacts:
Dr Huayang Zhang – huayang.zhang@adelaide.edu.au

Funding:
AUD$437,662– Australian Research Council (ARC)

Project total cost:
AUD$ 632,397 – including cash and in-kind

Project summary description:
This project aims to develop a photoelectrochemical cell for photoelectric conversion and green hydrogen production by using solar power as the only energy input. This project expects to generate new knowledge in photoelectrode material design by combining low-cost semiconductors with natural or synthetic molecular catalysts. Expected outcomes are to generate a sustainable solar hydrogen technique with no electricity consumption, high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency and long-term stability, promoting the development of green hydrogen industries in Australia.

Related publications and key links:
https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/RGS/Web/Grants/DE240100660

1. Tian, Wenjie, Zhang, Huayang † († Corresponding author), Sibbons, Jane, Sun, Hongqi & Wang, Hao et al. 2021, ‘Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation and Longevous Photoelectric Conversion by a Photosystem II Electrode’, Advanced Energy Materials, vol. 11, no. 30, article-no. 2100911, doi:10.1002/aenm.202100911
2. Lin, Jingkai, Tian, Wenjie, Zhang, Huayang† († Corresponding author), Duan, Xiaoguang & Sun, Hongqi et al. 2020, ‘Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based Z- Scheme Structure for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction’, Energy & Fuels, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 7-24, doi:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.0c03048

Higher degree studies supported:
Two PhD students are supported.

 

August 2024