The use of a solar photoelectrochemical reactor for sustainable production of energy

• Published in: Theoretical foundations of chemical engineering Vol. 46; no. 6; pp. 651 - 657
• Main Authors: Ampelli, C., Genovese, C., Passalacqua, R., Perathoner, S., Centi, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht SP MAIK Nauka/Interperiodica 01.11.2012
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Photo Reactor; Anodic Oxidation; CTHEORETICAL Foundation; Membrane Electrode Assembly; Solar Light
• ISSN: 0040-5795; 1608-3431
• DOI: 10.1134/S0040579512060012

The conversion of solar energy into H 2 via water splitting process is one of the most attractive ways to obtain clean and renewable energy. Unfortunately, the fast back reaction of recombination and high band gap needed to activate the photo-catalytic materials, strongly limit the performances in conventional slurry photo-reactors. In this context we present a new photoelectrochemical approach with a double-chamber reactor configuration for H 2 production by water photo-electrolysis. The core of the photo-system is a membrane electrode assembly consisting of different layers which hold distinct two areas of the reactor where the generation of O 2 and H 2 occurs separately. Particular attention is given to the development, on a nano-scale level, of the materials to be used as photoanode and electrocathode: nanostructured TiO 2 arrays and carbon nanotubes are used respectively in the form of thin films separated by a proton conductive membrane. Results showed 3.2 mmol h −1 g −1 of H 2 evolution that is about one order of magnitude higher with respect to the activity obtained with conventional slurry photoreactors. Moreover, we present the opportunity to recycle CO 2 back to liquid fuels by using the same photoelectrochemical approach.