A monolithic photovoltaic-photoelectrochemical device for hydrogen production via water splitting

Science. 1998 Apr 17;280(5362):425-7. doi: 10.1126/science.280.5362.425.

Abstract

Direct water electrolysis was achieved with a novel, integrated, monolithic photoelectrochemical-photovoltaic design. This photoelectrochemical cell, which is voltage biased with an integrated photovoltaic device, splits water directly upon illumination; light is the only energy input. The hydrogen production efficiency of this system, based on the short-circuit current and the lower heating value of hydrogen, is 12.4 percent.