Photovoltaic-powered water splitting

Abstract

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) technology with water-splitting processes represents a transformative approach to renewable hydrogen production, offering a sustainable solution for replacing fossil fuels. This technique harnesses solar energy through PV cells to generate electricity, which then drives water electrolysis, effectively splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen, as a clean and renewable energy carrier, has the potential to play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy. Hydrogen production via photovoltaic technology can be achieved using various device architectures, each presenting unique advantages in terms of efficiency and design. This chapter categorizes PV-powered water splitting (WS) devices into four primary types, elucidating their configurations and operational mechanisms. “Type a” devices consist of PV modules and membrane-based electrolyzers connected in series, utilizing electron/hole pairs directly for water splitting. “Type b” devices incorporate multi-junction PV cells and require external bias, while “types c and d” explore “wireless” configurations that integrate all materials onto a single substrate, enhancing simplicity and reducing costs. Additionally, the chapter investigates various electrolyzer technologies, including alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE), proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE), anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE), solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), and proton-conducting ceramic electrolyzers (PCCEL). It underscores the importance of optimizing system performance through advanced catalyst designs and strategies to improve overall efficiency and reduce costs. By addressing challenges associated with optical losses and ion diffusion paths, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge PV-powered water-splitting systems and their potential to revolutionize sustainable hydrogen production. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.