Efficient direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion by in situ interface transformation of a tandem structure

Matthias M. May, Hans-Joachim Lewerenz (), David Lackner, Frank Dimroth and Thomas Hannappel ()
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Matthias M. May: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Institute for Solar Fuels
Hans-Joachim Lewerenz: California Institute of Technology, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis
David Lackner: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Frank Dimroth: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Thomas Hannappel: Technische Universität Ilmenau

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Photosynthesis is nature’s route to convert intermittent solar irradiation into storable energy, while its use for an industrial energy supply is impaired by low efficiency. Artificial photosynthesis provides a promising alternative for efficient robust carbon-neutral renewable energy generation. The approach of direct hydrogen generation by photoelectrochemical water splitting utilizes customized tandem absorber structures to mimic the Z-scheme of natural photosynthesis. Here a combined chemical surface transformation of a tandem structure and catalyst deposition at ambient temperature yields photocurrents approaching the theoretical limit of the absorber and results in a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 14%. The potentiostatically assisted photoelectrode efficiency is 17%. Present benchmarks for integrated systems are clearly exceeded. Details of the in situ interface transformation, the electronic improvement and chemical passivation are presented. The surface functionalization procedure is widely applicable and can be precisely controlled, allowing further developments of high-efficiency robust hydrogen generators.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9286

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