Seawater-Mediated Solar-to-Sodium Conversion by Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode- Photovoltaic Tandem Cell: Solar Rechargeable Seawater Battery > Publication | UNIST YK RESEARCH

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Seawater-Mediated Solar-to-Sodium Conversion by Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode- Photovoltaic Tandem Cell: Solar Rechargeable Seawater Battery
Author
Jin Hyun Kim, Soo Min Hwang, Inchan Hwang, Jinhyup Han, Jeong Hun Kim, Yim Hyun Jo, Kwanyong Seo, Youngsik Kim, Jae Sung Lee
Journal
iScience
Vol
19
Page
232-243
Year
2019
Conversion of sunlight to chemical energy based on photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes has been considered as a promising strategy for solar energy harvesting. Here, we propose a novel platform that converts solar energy into sodium (Na) as a solid-state solar fuel via the PEC oxidation of natural seawater, for which a Na ion-selective ceramic membrane is employed together with photoelectrode (PE)-photovoltaic (PV) tandem cell. Using an elaborately modified bismuth vanadate-based PE in tandem with crystalline silicon PV, we demonstrate unassisted solar-to-Na conversion (equivalent to solar charge of seawater battery) with an unprecedentedly high efficiency of 8% (expected operating point under 1 sun) and measured operation efficiency of 5.7% (0.2 sun) and long-term stability, suggesting a new benchmark for low-cost, efficient, and scalable solid solar fuel production. The sodium turns easily into electricity on demand making the device a nature-friendly, monolithic solar rechargeable seawater battery.