Rational Design of Photoelectrodes for the Fully Integrated Polymer Electrode Membrane–Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting System: A Case Study of Bismuth Vanadate

• DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.1c01752
• Publication Date: 2021-09-09T20:52:19Z
• Authors: Georgios Zafeirop...; Purushothaman Var...; Hannah Johnson; Lars Kamphuis; Arunkuman Pandiyan; Sachin Kinge; Mauritius C. M. v...; Mihalis N. Tsampas
• Keywords: Bismuth vanadate; Vanadate; Bismuth; Photoelectrochemical cell

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactors based on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers are an attractive alternative to improve scalability compared conventional monolithic devices. To introduce narrow band gap photoabsorbers such as BiVO4 in PEM–PEC system requires cost-effective and scalable deposition techniques beyond those previously demonstrated FTO-coated glass substrates, followed by the preparation of electrode assemblies. Herein, we address significant challenges coating metal-oxides porous substrates suitable photoelectrodes for configuration. In particular, demonstrate integration W-doped conductive a simple, cost-effective, SILAR (successive ionic layer adsorption reaction) technique. The resultant photoanode exhibits photocurrent density 2.1 mA·cm–2, @ 1.23 V vs RHE, highest reported so far any substrates. Furthermore, integrated reactor solar hydrogen production from ambient air with humidity only water source, retaining 1.55 RHE. concept provides insights into features necessary successful development materials tandem configuration gas-phase operation reactor, which is promising approach low-cost, large-scale production.