Bias-free solar to ammonia photoelectrochemical conversion using a perovskite-silicon tandem absorber and 1T-MoS2 integration
Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry A
ISSN
2050-7488
2050-7496
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Tsung-Hsin Liu
Yu-Hsiang Huang
Yu-Xuan Huang
Yang-Sheng Lu
Tsung-Min Tsai
Chen Chang
Pai-Chia Kuo
Jessie Shiue
Yu-Ching Huang
Chia-Chun Chen
Shao-Sian Li
Abstract
Ammonia, as a non-carbon fuel, is increasingly in demand due to global population growth. Traditional ammonia production via the Haber-Bosch process is energy-intensive, requiring high temperatures and pressures, which lead to significant carbon dioxide emissions. This study presents a sustainable alternative through the bias-free photoelectrochemical (PEC) nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to realize artificial photosynthesis for solar to ammonia conversion, utilizing a perovskite-silicon tandem absorber integrated with a 1T-MoS2 catalyst. The experimental results demonstrate a promising solar-to-ammonia conversion efficiency of 1.48% (0.5 M Li2SO4 electrolyte) under one sun illumination (100 mW cm−2, AM 1.5G) without external bias, achieving bias-free artificial photosynthesis of ammonia. This device configuration shows promising direct solar to ammonia conversion and leverages cost-effective and abundant materials, offering a viable solution for large-scale ammonia synthesis. The success of this system underscores the potential of utilizing renewable solar energy for sustainable chemical production, marking a significant advancement in the field of solar-to-fuel conversion and opening new avenues for environmentally friendly ammonia synthesis.
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Type
journal article