Optimised Halide Perovskite nanocrystalline based Electrolyser for clean, robust, efficient and decentralised pRoduction of H2

Introduction

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) H2 generation, using water as proton and electron source, is considered the most impactful solar-driven process to tackle the energy, environment, and climate crisis. It provides a circular economy strategy to supply green energy vectors (H2) with zero carbon footprint.

Project Overview

Aligning with this view, OHPERA will develop a proof-of-concept unbiased tandem PEC cell to:

1. Simultaneously achieve efficient solar-driven H2 production at the cathode.
2. Produce high added-value chemicals from the valorization of industrial waste (glycerol) at the anode.
3. Utilize sunlight as the only energy input.

Thus, OPHERA will demonstrate the viability of producing chemicals with economic benefits starting from industrial waste, using a renewable source of energy.

Technical Approach

For this purpose, OPHERA will integrate:

• Highly efficient and stable photoelectrodes based on halide lead-free perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs).
• Tailored catalytic/passivation layers, avoiding the use of critical raw materials (CRM), in a proof-of-concept eco-design PEC device.

Methodology

Theoretical modeling, both at an atomistic and device scale, will assist in:

• Materials development.
• Mechanistic understanding of the processes.

All materials and components will be integrated into a proof-of-concept device, targeting:

• Standalone operation at 10 mAcm-2 for 100 hours.
• 90% Faradaic efficiency to H2.
• A clearly defined roadmap for upscaling and exploitation.

Conclusion

Therefore, OPHERA will offer a dual process to produce green H2 concomitant to the treatment of industrial waste, generating added-value chemicals with high economic and industrial interest, thus offering a competitive LCOH.