Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation: Effect of Photocatalyst Dispersion

Abstract

Distributed 3-D films were compared with equivalent planar 2-D films of composite conductive polymer-titania for photocathode use in PEM based hydrogen generation devices. The films were also analyzed for changes in electrochemical performance when placed directly against the N117 membrane or when faced away from the triple phase interface. Electrochemical results indicate that due to resistive losses the films operated most efficiently when placed directly against the membrane. Solar performance of the device benefitted from a 3-D distributed structure, extending the performance improvement from irradiation to higher current densities.