Publication date: 28th August 2024
Artificial photosynthesis is considered a promising method for achieving carbon-neutral targets. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from the photoelectrolysis of water and the photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2 reduction have gathered significant attention as an effective way to store intermittent solar energy in fuels and chemicals, as well as closing the chemical carbon cycle. Unfortunately, the photoelectrode materials used in these reactions are often unstable or exhibit insufficient activity or selectivity for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). To show the technological path of this approach, we need to focus on addressing stability and efficiency of these systems.
In this context, we present a few examples of how light-absorbing materials can be utilized in integrated photoelectrochemical cells or when directly interfaced with the electrolyte for HER and CO2RR. Specifically, we demonstrate how we can analyze and enhance the stability and performance of various photoelectrode materials used in these reactions focusing on different classes of materials.