Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting technologies promise to improve on traditional PV-powered electrolysis methods in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and cost. This is achieved by completing the photo-absorbing and electrochemical steps at a single photoactive component. However, prototype testing beyond lab-scale is limited due to challenges in producing large photoelectrodes. The global research community is focused on synthesizing high performance and stable materials as well as outdoor testing of kilowatt scale prototypes.

Research at the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering investigates the integration of concentrating solar optics with PEC devices, negating the need for large photoelectrodes and reducing the levelized cost of photoelectrochemically produced hydrogen. Research activities include:

• Developing solar concentrators for integration with PEC hydrogen production
• Outdoor testing of an integrated concentrator PEC solar hydrogen production system