Solar-Driven Simultaneous Electrochemical CO2 Reduction and Water Oxidation Using Perovskite Solar Cells

The utilization of solar energy into electrochemical reduction systems has received considerable attention. Most of these attempts have been conducted in a single electrolyte without a membrane. Here, we report the system combined by the electrochemical CO2 reduction on the Au dendrite electrode and the water oxidation on the Co-Pi electrode with a Nafion membrane. An efficient reduction of CO2 to CO in the cathode using the proton from water oxidation in the anode is conducted using perovskite solar cells under 1 sun condition. The sustainable reaction condition is secured by balancing each reaction rate based on products analysis. Through this system, we collect reduction products such as CO and H-2 and oxidation product, O-2, separately. Employing separation of each electrode system and series-connected perovskite solar cells, we achieve 8% of solar to fuel efficiency with 85% of CO selectivity under 1 sun illumination.

Automated summary

The study reports a system combining the electrochemical CO2 reduction on the Au dendrite electrode and the water oxidation on the Co-Pi electrode with a Nafion membrane, achieving 8% solar to fuel efficiency under 1 sun illumination. The sustainable reaction condition is secured by balancing each reaction rate based on products analysis, resulting in 85% CO selectivity.