top of page

Perovskite Revolution: Photo electrochemical (PEC) Hydrogen Production in South Korea

Writer's picture: Neelotpal PandeNeelotpal Pande

Updated: Mar 17, 2024


Photo electrochemical
Photo electrochemical

Photo electrochemical (PEC) Hydrogen Production


The quest for highly efficient and scalable Photo electrochemical (PEC) Hydrogen Production has taken a significant leap forward with the groundbreaking work of Dr. Dharmesh Hansora and his team at UNIST, South Korea. Their research on all-perovskite-based photo electrochemical (PEC) systems pushes the boundaries of photo electrochemical (PEC) technology, achieving remarkable results. This blog delves into the technical details of their research paper [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-023-01438-x], a must-read for anyone interested in the future of Photo electrochemical (PEC) Hydrogen Production.


Perovskite Advantage:

Metal-halide perovskites (MHPs) like FAPbI₃ boast exceptional optoelectronic properties. Their tunable bandgaps and superior light absorption make them ideal photo absorbers for PEC water splitting. Dr. Hansora's research focuses on FAPbI₃-based photoanodes, the key component responsible for solar energy conversion in PEC systems.


Record-Breaking Performance:

The team achieved a breakthrough in photocurrent density, reaching a staggering 22.8 mA cm⁻² at 1.23 V vs. RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode). This remarkable value translates to a highly efficient conversion of sunlight into photo generated current, a crucial metric for PEC performance.


Pushing Photo electrochemical Efficiency Limits:

T all-perovskite PEC system surpasses expectations with a stellar solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 9.8%. This achievement surpasses the minimum 10% efficiency threshold considered essential for practical PEC applications.


Photo electrochemical
Photo electrochemical

Scalability Triumph:

Real-world implementation demands scalable solutions. The team successfully scaled Ni-encapsulated FAPbI₃ photoanodes to mini-modules exceeding 123 cm². These mini-modules maintain an impressive STH efficiency of 8.5%, demonstrating the feasibility of translating lab-scale success into larger-area devices.


Stability for Real-World Applicaions:

Long-term stability is paramount for reliable hydrogen generation. Dr. Hansora's perovskite PEC systems showcase exceptional stability, enduring simulated 1-sun illumination for extended periods (3 days). This stability paves the way for robust and durable PEC systems for real-world deployment.


The Road Ahead:

This research by Dr. Hansora and his team paves the way for a future powered by clean and sustainable hydrogen production. Further optimization through advanced catalyst integration and photoanode/photocathode integration holds immense potential for even higher efficiencies. We are committed to continuous innovation in this field, unlocking the full potential of perovskite-based PEC technology.


Photo electrochemical
Photo electrochemical

Join the Discussion!

We invite researchers and enthusiasts to engage in discussions and share their expertise. Together, let's shape a sustainable future fueled by clean hydrogen and groundbreaking PEC technology, building upon the work of Dr. Hansora and his team.



Check out the research work here-:

Hansora D, Yoo JW, Mehrotra R, et al. All-perovskite-based unassisted photoelectrochemical water splitting system for efficient, stable and scalable solar hydrogen production. Nature Energy. Published online January 23, 2024:1-13.




Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page