Proton exchange membrane photoelectrochemical cell for water splitting under vapor feeding

Abstract

This review provides an overview of recent advancements in vapor-fed photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems specifically designed for utilizing water vapor as a hydrogen resource. The PEC system under water vapor feeding utilizes a proton exchange membrane as a solid polymer electrolyte. Additionally, it utilizes gas-diffusion photoelectrodes composed of a fibrous conductive substrate with macroporous structures. Herein, the porous photoelectrodes are composed of n-type oxides for oxygen evolution reactions and used with a Pt electrocatalyst cathode for hydrogen evolution reactions. The topics covered include the conceptual framework of vapor-fed PEC hydrogen production, strategic design of gas-phase PEC reaction interfaces, and development of porous photoanodes such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂), strontium titanate (SrTiO₃), tungsten trioxide (WO₃), and bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄). A significant enhancement in the PEC efficiency was achieved through the application of a thin proton-conducting ionomer film on these porous photoelectrodes for surface functionalization. The rational design of proton exchange membrane-based PEC cells will play a pivotal role in realizing renewable-energy-driven hydrogen production from atmospheric humidity in the air.

Keywords

Hydrogen production / oxygen evolution reaction / perfluoro sulfonic acid / photoelectrochemistry / polymer electrolyte membrane / solar fuel

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