Photoelectrochemical Working Group
Another promising option for the long term is photoelectrolysis. Here, light shining on a photoelectrochemical cell immersed in water produces bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen.
The Photoelectrochemical Working Group meets periodically to review technical progress, develop synergies, and collaboratively develop common tools and processes for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Its members include principle investigators and supporting personnel from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded photoelectrochemical projects. More information on planned DOE photoelectrochemical activities can be found in the Multi-Year Research, Development, and Demonstration Plan.
Research Description
In photoelectrochemical water splitting, specialized semiconductors called photoelectrochemical materials use water and sunlight to produce hydrogen from water. The semiconductor uses light energy to directly dissociate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Different semiconductor materials work at different wavelengths of light and energy.
The Photoelectrochemical Working Group focuses on finding semiconductors that have the correct energies to split water while remaining stable when in contact with it.
Contacts
The following people can be contacted for more information about the Photoelectrochemical Working Group.
Roxanne Garland
Hydrogen Production and Delivery
DOE Hydrogen Program
Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, & Infrastructure Technologies
U.S. Department of Energy, EE-2H
1000 Independence Avenue
Washington, DC 20585-0121
Phone: 202-586-7260
Dr. Eric Miller
Associate Researcher
University of Hawaii at Manoa
1680 East-West Road, Post 109
Honolulu, HI 96822
Phone: 808-956-5337
Technical Targets for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
The Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a set of technical and cost targets for photoelectrochemical water splitting. These targets are contained in the Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies Program Multi-Year RD&D Plan, Hydrogen Production Section (PDF 924 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
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