Bias-free solar hydrogen production at 19.8 mA cm-2 using perovskite photocathode and lignocellulosic biomass

Solar hydrogen production is one of the ultimate technologies needed to realize a carbon-neutral, sustainable society. However, an energy-intensive water oxidation half-reaction together with the poor performance of conventional inorganic photocatalysts have been big hurdles for practical solar hydrogen production. Here we present a photoelectrochemical cell with a record high photocurrent density of 19.8 mA cm(-2) for hydrogen production by utilizing a high-performance organic-inorganic halide perovskite as a panchromatic absorber and lignocellulosic biomass as an alternative source of electrons working at lower potentials. In addition, value-added chemicals such as vanillin and acetovanillone are produced via the selective depolymerization of lignin in lignocellulosic biomass while cellulose remains close to intact for further utilization. This study paves the way to improve solar hydrogen productivity and simultaneously realize the effective use of lignocellulosic biomass. While light-driven water splitting offers a means to produce renewable H-2 fuel, water oxidation limits performances and yields low-value products. Here, authors demonstrate a photoelectrochemical cell that converts lignocellulosic biomass into valuable products alongside H-2.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of a high-performance organic-inorganic halide perovskite as an absorber and lignocellulosic biomass as an electron source to achieve efficient hydrogen production and effective utilization of biomass.