Floating perovskite-BiVO4 devices for scalable solar fuel production

Virgil Andrei, Geani M. Ucoski, Chanon Pornrungroj, Chawit Uswachoke, Qian Wang, Demetra S. Achilleos, Hatice Kasap, Katarzyna P. Sokol, Robert A. Jagt, Haijiao Lu, Takashi Lawson, Andreas Wagner, Sebastian D. Pike, Dominic S. Wright, Robert L. Z. Hoye, Judith L. MacManus-Driscoll, Hannah J. Joyce, Richard H. Friend and Erwin Reisner ()
Additional contact information
Virgil Andrei: University of Cambridge
Geani M. Ucoski: University of Cambridge
Chanon Pornrungroj: University of Cambridge
Chawit Uswachoke: University of Cambridge
Qian Wang: University of Cambridge
Demetra S. Achilleos: University of Cambridge
Hatice Kasap: University of Cambridge
Katarzyna P. Sokol: University of Cambridge
Robert A. Jagt: University of Cambridge
Haijiao Lu: University of Cambridge
Takashi Lawson: University of Cambridge
Andreas Wagner: University of Cambridge
Sebastian D. Pike: University of Cambridge
Dominic S. Wright: University of Cambridge
Robert L. Z. Hoye: University of Cambridge
Judith L. MacManus-Driscoll: University of Cambridge
Hannah J. Joyce: University of Cambridge
Richard H. Friend: University of Cambridge
Erwin Reisner: University of Cambridge

Nature, 2022, vol. 608, issue 7923, 518-522

Abstract: Abstract Photoelectrochemical (PEC) artificial leaves hold the potential to lower the costs of sustainable solar fuel production by integrating light harvesting and catalysis within one compact device. However, current deposition techniques limit their scalability1, whereas fragile and heavy bulk materials can affect their transport and deployment. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of lightweight artificial leaves by employing thin, flexible substrates and carbonaceous protection layers. Lead halide perovskite photocathodes deposited onto indium tin oxide-coated polyethylene terephthalate achieved an activity of 4,266 µmol H2 g−1 h−1 using a platinum catalyst, whereas photocathodes with a molecular Co catalyst for CO2 reduction attained a high CO:H2 selectivity of 7.2 under lower (0.1 sun) irradiation. The corresponding lightweight perovskite-BiVO4 PEC devices showed unassisted solar-to-fuel efficiencies of 0.58% (H2) and 0.053% (CO), respectively. Their potential for scalability is demonstrated by 100 cm2 stand-alone artificial leaves, which sustained a comparable performance and stability (of approximately 24 h) to their 1.7 cm2 counterparts. Bubbles formed under operation further enabled 30–100 mg cm−2 devices to float, while lightweight reactors facilitated gas collection during outdoor testing on a river. This leaf-like PEC device bridges the gulf in weight between traditional solar fuel approaches, showcasing activities per gram comparable to those of photocatalytic suspensions and plant leaves. The presented lightweight, floating systems may enable open-water applications, thus avoiding competition with land use.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04978-6

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