Hybrid Photoelectrode Systems: Multi-scale Modeling, Operando Studies, and Deployment of Advanced Concepts
Understanding hybrid photoelectrodes in fully integrated solar-to-fuel systems is key to their ultimate success. Here we focus on evaluating our hybrid photoelectrodes within operational systems and before, during, and after operation using a combination of multi-scale modeling and operando methods. Learnings will inform advanced system designs and incorporation of new cascades.
Work within this thrust focuses on
Deployment of multi-scale modeling emphasizing reaction kinetics and mass transport to improve cascade reaction performance.
Interrogating state-of-the-art hybrid photoelectrodes through operando and post-mortem characterization to understand time-dependent performance.
Demonstration of unassisted solar-to-fuel systems by coupling CO₂ converting hybrid photoelectrodes with oxygen generating anodes.
Evaluating novel cascades within hybrid photoelectrodes and solar-to-fuel systems.
Integrated system using a silicon hybrid photoelectrode (black), photoanode (green), and membrane (white) to convert carbon dioxide gas into liquid fuels and water into oxygen gas when activated by light.
Thrust Coordinator (early career research) - Kunpeng Yu
