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Zero-carbon-emission electrochemistry-thermochemistry-assembled full-spectrum solar fuel production

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  • Zhu, Tao
  • Fang, Wencheng
  • Chen, Xinrui
  • Liu, Bingxin
  • Feng, Hao
  • Zhang, Ying
  • Duan, Jingjing
  • Liu, Dong
  • Li, Qiang

Abstract

In this work, hydrogen production, that achieves the combination of mild reaction condition, near zero carbon emission and high energy conversion efficiency, was demonstrated by a Zero‑carbon-emission Electrochemistry-Thermochemistry Assembly (ZETA) driven by full-spectrum solar energy. The proof-of-concept ZETA system was built by the successful integration of thermochemical methanol steam reforming (MSR) driven by long-wavelength photons, and photovoltaic powered electrochemical reduction of MSR produced CO2 driven by short-wavelength photons. The cascaded utilization of solar energy and the cycle of carbon element were enabled by a novel spectral splitting method. The solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency of ∼20 % was demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically using commercial MSR catalysts and silicon solar cell panels. ZETA approach holds promise to advance beyond solar photo-electrochemical water splitting (unable to use low-energy photons below the band gap) and conventional solar-driven MSR (with CO2 emission).

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Tao & Fang, Wencheng & Chen, Xinrui & Liu, Bingxin & Feng, Hao & Zhang, Ying & Duan, Jingjing & Liu, Dong & Li, Qiang, 2025. "Zero-carbon-emission electrochemistry-thermochemistry-assembled full-spectrum solar fuel production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 386(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:386:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925003411
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125611
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