Unassisted photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide fuel cell based on dual photoelectrodes with high performance and stability

Author(s)

Andrade, Tatiana S. ; Cunha Sa, Barbara Antunes ; Nogueira, Francisco Guilherme E. ; Oliveira, Luiz Carlos A. ; Pereira, Marcio Cesar

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Electrochemistry; v. N/A, p. 10-pg., 2022-11-10.

Abstract

The exploitation of renewable sources, such as solar light, is strategically attractive in the current global energy crisis scenario. However, solar technologies that use earth-abundant materials that can efficiently harvest sunlight still need to be investigated. In this regard, photocatalytic fuel cells (PFCs) with dual-photoelectrode design are promising technologies able to efficiently generate electricity and/or chemical energy from solar irradiation. Both electrodes can absorb sunlight in a typical dual-photoelectrode PFC design, theoretically improving cell absorption and performance. Unfortunately, in practice, a suitable combination of electrodes, electrolytes, and fuel is still challenging regarding dual-photoelectrode PFCs. Herein, we investigated a dual-photoelectrode H2O2 fuel cell using a BiVO4-based photoanode and a CuO-based photocathode under different electrolyte conditions. The results have shown that electrolyte choice plays a significant role in cell performance and stability. In acetate electrolyte, the cell has delivered a stable short circuit photocurrent density as high as 3.4 mA cm(-2), a power density of 0.26 mW cm(-2), and 0.48 V open-circuit potential. In such a way, this device can provide a high unassisted performance to convert sunlight using earth-abundant materials in both anode and cathode, and at the expense of carbon-free fuel. Therefore, these findings establish promising directions toward the practical application of cost-effective unbiased photoelectrochemical technologies. [GRAPHICS] . (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/09723-9 - CO2 PHOTOCONVERSION IN PRODUCTS WITH VALUE-ADDED: EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORIC STUDIES
• Grantee: Francisco Guilherme Esteves Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants