U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyFuel Cell Technologies ProgramPhotoelectrochemical Working GroupHelp Define PEC Research Standards and MethodsThe PEC working group invites the international PEC research community to review documents on PEC research protocols. 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. 
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. Research DescriptionIn photoelectrochemical water splitting, specialized semiconductors called photoelectrochemical materials use water and sunlight to produce hydrogen from water. The semiconductor uses light energy to dissociate water molecules directly 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. Technical Targets for Photoelectrochemical Water SplittingThe Department of Energy has developed a set of technical and cost targets for photoelectrochemical water splitting. These targets are contained in the Multi-Year RD&D Plan, Hydrogen Production Section. Research Standards DevelopmentThe Photoelectrochemical Working Group invites the scientific community to submit reviews on documents about standardized methods for photoelectrochemical research related to hydrogen production. Input on these documents from a diverse group of researchers will help to identify superior research practices and accelerate their common use. The goal is to establish acceptable photoelectrochemical research techniques and definitions related to hydrogen production so scientists throughout the world can exchange meaningful information and compare pertinent material performance. ContactsThe following people can be contacted for more information about the Photoelectrochemical Working Group. Roxanne Garland Dr. Eric Miller |