Improving Efficiency, Durability & Cost-effectiveness of III-V Semiconductors
Summary
Photoelectrochemical solar water splitting via III-V multi-junction semiconductors is proven to be the most efficient way of producing hydrogen directly from sunlight, but they suffer from high material costs and photodegradation. This project aims to tackle these issues by (i) designing appropriate III-V material structures to maximise photocurrents and generate the necessary photovoltage, (ii) developing thin-film tandem structures allowing the reuse of substrate wafers, (iii) achieving effective surface stabilisation and catalyst functionalisation for robust operation, and (iv) demonstrating a high-efficiency direct water splitting system with long-term stability.This project focusses on developing material technologies for the direct production of gaseous hydrogen using sunlight. Efficiency and cost are major factors in the creation of overall renewable energy export supply chain. First, tandem III-V semiconductors to be developed in this work are expected to enable high STH conversion efficiencies. Second, this project will address the high capital costs associated with III-V materials by employing novel techniques for the development of thin-film III-V tandem materials for the direct production of hydrogen from solar energy.