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

In this study, we demonstrated high-rate H-2 generation by coupling with the sulfite oxidation reaction (SOR) as an alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction for solar H-2 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 H-2 production owing to the elimination of the expensive membranes required for H(2 & nbsp;)and O-2 gas separation. Considering the high global demand for desulfurization via the SOR, the strategy proposed here will enable practical H-2 production from renewable sources while effectively converting the toxic SO2 gas into a value-added product for the chemical industry.

Automated summary

In this study, high-rate H-2 generation using the sulfite oxidation reaction (SOR) was demonstrated as an alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction for solar H-2 production. The use of cost-effective molybdenum phosphide electrocatalyst as a bifunctional catalyst in an alkaline electrolyte resulted in remarkable photocurrent density. The SOR not only enhances photocurrent, but also reduces the overall cost of solar H-2 production by eliminating the need for expensive gas separation membranes.