Artificial photosynthesis system surpasses key efficiency benchmark for direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion
Key Insights
A research team at UNIST has developed a modular artificial leaf achieving 11.2% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, surpassing the 10% commercial viability threshold.
The system uses perovskite-based photoelectrodes and nickel-iron-cobalt catalysts for stable, scalable hydrogen production without external power or carbon emissions.
The innovation addresses prior challenges of low efficiency and durability, marking a significant leap toward green hydrogen commercialization.
The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the potential for large-scale deployment of artificial photosynthesis technology.
A groundbreaking artificial photosynthesis system developed by researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has achieved a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 11.2%, surpassing the critical 10% benchmark for commercial viability. The modular system, designed to mimic natural leaves, produces hydrogen directly from sunlight and water without requiring external power sources or emitting carbon dioxide. Published in Nature Communications, the study represents a major advancement in green hydrogen production technology.
The research team, led by Professors Jae Sung Lee, Sang Il Seok, and Ji-Wook Jang, fabricated high-performance perovskite-based photoelectrodes using a chlorine-doped formamidinium lead triiodide (Cl:FAPbI₃) absorber layer and ultraviolet-insensitive tin oxide (Cl:SnO₂) electron transport layers. These components were assembled into a 4×4 array, creating a scalable modular system capable of stable hydrogen generation under one-sun illumination. Unlike conventional photovoltaic-electrochemical (PV-EC) systems, this direct solar-to-chemical conversion approach minimizes energy losses and installation footprint.
Key to the system's success is the strategic combination of materials, including nickel-iron-cobalt (NiFeCo) catalysts and specialized encapsulation techniques using nickel foil and resin. These innovations enabled the device to operate continuously for 140 hours while retaining 99% of its initial performance. Professor Jae Sung Lee emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating, "This milestone demonstrates the potential for real-world application, with scalability akin to photovoltaic modules."
The study's findings highlight the potential for large-scale deployment of artificial photosynthesis technology, which could play a pivotal role in achieving global carbon neutrality. The research team plans to further optimize the system for industrial applications, focusing on cost reduction and mass production.