In the race toward a sustainable future, the efficient conversion of sunlight into usable energy and valuable chemicals is a beacon of innovation. OHPERA is leading this movement with its cutting-edge research on catalytic and passivation layers, paving the way for transformative breakthroughs in green hydrogen production and industrial waste valorisation.
Catalysts at the core of PEC technology
Catalysts play a key role in photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems. They accelerate essential chemical reactions, such as hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and glycerol oxidation, with high efficiency and durability. OHPERA is tackling this challenge by developing a new class of low-cost, high-performance electrocatalysts derived from transition metal ceramics like sulphides, phosphides, nitrides, and their oxides.
These advanced materials combine high catalytic performance with scalability, supporting OHPERA’s vision for widespread, affordable clean energy systems.
The creation of these catalysts begins with the careful design of ceramic transition metal compounds. Nickel, iron, and other transition metals are combined with heteroatoms to form highly active and stable catalysts. Innovative techniques, such as the use of metal-organic framework (MOF) precursors, enable precise control over the material’s structure and composition.
These catalysts will be deposited onto halide perovskite nanocrystal photoelectrodes—an advanced class of light-absorbing materials selected for their tuneable optoelectronic properties and compatibility with solution-based processing techniques. Unlike traditional thin-film perovskites, these nanocrystals offer greater flexibility in material design, making them ideal for integration into next-generation photoelectrochemical devices.
However, halide perovskite nanocrystals are also highly sensitive to environmental stressors like moisture and light. To overcome this, OHPERA’s catalyst layers serve a dual function: not only do they enhance charge transfer, but they also act as protective passivation layers, shielding the perovskite interface from degradation and improving overall device stability.
For the cathode, sulphides and phosphides excel in driving hydrogen evolution. On the anode, nickel-based catalysts stand out for their ability to oxidise glycerol, transforming this industrial byproduct into high-value chemicals.
From lab to real-world application
OHPERA’s focus isn’t just on innovation—it’s on scalability. The catalytic layers are being developed for small-scale electrodes (1 cm²) before scaling up to the 10 cm² devices required for real-world applications. This transition is made possible by advanced deposition techniques, such as vapor-phase and electrochemical transformations, which allow fine-tuning of the catalytic properties for optimal performance.
By integrating these materials into PEC devices, the project is targeting long-term operation with stable performance metrics, including high Faradaic efficiency for hydrogen production and effective glycerol oxidation.
The science behind the innovation
Understanding how these catalysts work is as important as creating them. Advanced characterisation techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRSEM, TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to analyse their structure, composition, and chemical states. Operando studies at the electrode/electrolyte interface, conducted at synchrotron facilities, reveal how the catalysts evolve during PEC operation.
These insights provide a detailed picture of how structural and chemical changes affect catalytic performance, guiding further optimisation.
Catalytic activity in action
The real test lies in performance. Catalytic performance is evaluated under realistic operating conditions. Techniques such as impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Tafel analysis, and long-term stability tests ensure that the materials meet the demanding requirements of real-world applications.
Beyond performance, OHPERA is committed to understanding the products of these reactions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirms the production of hydrogen and oxygen, while high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy identify and quantify the glycerol oxidation products.
A step toward a sustainable future
The development of catalytic and passivation layers is a cornerstone of OHPERA’s mission to transform green hydrogen production and industrial waste valorisation. By combining innovative material design, advanced characterisation, and rigorous performance evaluation, the project is setting a new standard for PEC technology.
Through these efforts, OHPERA is not only advancing the frontiers of science but also offering a sustainable, scalable solution to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Stay tuned as we continue to present the groundbreaking innovations that are shaping the future of energy and resource efficiency.