Design of Compact Photoelectrochemical Cells for Water Splitting

Abstract

Solar driven water splitting can be achieved by coupling electrolyzers with PhotoVoltaics (PV). Integration of both functions in a compact PhotoElectroChemical (PEC) cell is an attractive option but presents significant scientific challenges. In this work, the design of single- and dual-compartment PEC cells for research purposes is discussed. The fabrication of separator-electrode assemblies is an important aspect, and upscaling of these architectures even to centimeter scale is not trivial. The layout of a new dual-compartment compact PEC cell with in-situ monitoring of pH, temperatures, and oxygen and hydrogen evolution for research purposes is presented. Finally, a prospect of future PEC cells for practical applications is presented.