Photovoltaic powered solar hydrogen production coupled with waste SO2 valorization enabled by MoP electrocatalysts

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrated high-rate H2 generation by coupling with the sulfite oxidation reaction (SOR) as an alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction for solar H2 production. The emerging and cost-effective molybdenum phosphide electrocatalyst was appropriately optimized and used as a bifunctional catalyst in an alkaline electrolyte for both SOR and HER. Powered by state-of-the-art perovskite–Si tandem photovoltaics, a remarkable photocurrent density of over 17 mA cm−2 was achieved in the HER coupled with the SOR. In addition to the significantly enhanced photocurrent, the SOR can further reduce the overall cost of solar H2 production owing to the elimination of the expensive membranes required for H2 and O2 gas separation. Considering the high global demand for desulfurization via the SOR, the strategy proposed here will enable practical H2 production from renewable sources while effectively converting the toxic SO2 gas into a value-added product for the chemical industry. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.