Effects of activation overpotential in photoelectrochemical cells considering electrical and optical configurations

Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) are a promising option for directly converting solar energy into chemical by producing hydrogen (H2) gas, thus providing clean alternative to consuming fossil fuels. H2 as fuel is free from any carbon footprints and negative environmental impacts. Therefore, the production, especially using sunlight in PECs, critically important rapidly growing demand of world. Although promising, PECs inefficient must overcome few inherent losses H2—the most being activation overpotential (ηa) required splitting water. This work analyzes impact ηa on solar-to-fuel efficiency (ηSTF) production rate (HPR). also discusses choosing appropriate photo-absorbing materials based their bandgaps suitable electrode pairs achieve desired ηSTF HPR different electrical optical PEC configurations. Significant changes observed when considered water splitting.