In-situ monitoring and modeling of local pH gradient in near-neutral photoelectrochemical water splitting

Keisuke Obata; Roel Van de Krol; Fatwa F. Abdi

doi:10.1117/12.2567091

20 August 2020 In-situ monitoring and modeling of local pH gradient in near-neutral photoelectrochemical water splitting

Keisuke Obata, Roel Van de Krol, Fatwa F. Abdi

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11496, New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion III; 114960J (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2567091
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2020, Online Only

Abstract

Local build-up of pH gradients is a major concern in near-neutral photoelectrochemical water splitting since it leads to efficiency losses due to concentration overpotentials. Here, we monitor in-situ pH changes during water splitting in a (photo)electrochemical cell by a fluorescence-based technique and compared with multi-physics simulations. We found that the pH distribution within the cell is affected by natural convection generated by the electrochemical reactions. Based on this observation, we developed a model that considers natural convection driven by buoyancy forces due to local changes in the density of the electrolyte. Only when the buoyancy effect is considered does the model accurately reproduces the measured pH profile. This study reveals the importance of natural convection driven by electrochemical reactions and highlights the implications for designing efficient photoelectrochemical devices.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Keisuke Obata, Roel Van de Krol, and Fatwa F. Abdi "In-situ monitoring and modeling of local pH gradient in near-neutral photoelectrochemical water splitting", Proc. SPIE 11496, New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion III, 114960J (20 August 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2567091

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available