Project R-16116

Photoelectrochemical reforming and hydrogen production using advanced BiVO4 photoanodes (Research)

This research aims to develop an efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) system utilizing advanced BiVO4 photoanodes and a CoP/Nickel foam (NF) cathode for simultaneous plastic waste reforming and hydrogen production. To minimize carrier recombination losses, BiVO4 photoanodes are engineered with a SnO2 electron transport layer, a NiO hole extraction layer, and NiFeOOH co-catalysts. By tuning oxygen vacancies in NiO and optimizing the Ni and Fe elemental composition of NiFeOOH, the final target structure seeks to achieve a photocurrent density of nearly 6 mA/cm2 and long-term stability exceeding 24 hours. Integrating a CoP/NF cathode with advanced BiVO4 photoanode into the PEC system enables selective plastic waste reforming into high-value products, targeting formic acids, with nearly 95% of selectivity and faradaic efficiency, while simultaneously facilitating hydrogen evolution at the cathode. This dual-function significantly enhances energy conversion efficiency beyond conventional BiVO4-based photoanodes. Comprehensive material characterization and PEC analyses, incorporating spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, will provide critical insights into charge transfer dynamics, reaction selectivity, and stability. Addressing key challenges in charge transport, selectivity, and efficiency, this research advances PEC technology for sustainable energy conversion and waste valorization.

01 November 2025 - 31 October 2029