In situ photocatalytically enhanced thermogalvanic cells for electricity and hydrogen production

High-performance thermogalvanic cells have the potential to convert thermal energy into electricity, but their effectiveness is limited by the low concentration difference of redox ions. We report an in situ photocatalytically enhanced redox reaction that generates hydrogen and oxygen to realize a c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2023-07, Vol.381 (6655), p.291-296
Main Authors: Wang, Yijin, Zhang, Youzi, Xin, Xu, Yang, Jiabao, Wang, Maohuai, Wang, Ruiling, Guo, Peng, Huang, Wenjing, Sobrido, Ana Jorge, Wei, Bingqing, Li, Xuanhua
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Concentration gradient
Electricity
Hydrogen
Hydrogen production
Water splitting
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Summary:High-performance thermogalvanic cells have the potential to convert thermal energy into electricity, but their effectiveness is limited by the low concentration difference of redox ions. We report an in situ photocatalytically enhanced redox reaction that generates hydrogen and oxygen to realize a continuous concentration gradient of redox ions in thermogalvanic devices. A linear relation between thermopower and hydrogen production rate was established as an essential design principle for devices. The system exhibited a thermopower of 8.2 millivolts per kelvin and a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of up to 0.4%. A large-area generator (112 square centimeters) consisting of 36 units yielded an open-circuit voltage of 4.4 volts and a power of 20.1 milliwatts, as well 0.5 millimoles of hydrogen and 0.2 millimoles of oxygen after 6 hours of outdoor operation.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.adg0164