Laser-enhanced hydrogen production: designing a PEC cell photoanode with an exclusive dye material for superior efficiency

In the pursuit of efficient and sustainable hydrogen production, photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells offer a promising route for solar-to-hydrogen conversion. This study explores the innovative use of laser illumination to enhance the performance of PEC cell photoanodes, focusing on the fabrication of a distinct photoanode incorporating the exclusive dye material (Epolight™ 1178). By employing lasers with the assistance of a UV source as an alternative to conventional solar light, the energy absorption and catalytic activity of the photoanodes were significantly improved, leading to higher hydrogen generation rates. The photoanode’s design harnesses the power of the multiple layers to control the absorption of the photoanode to encompass the UV, VIS, and NIR regions. Then, by utilizing this ability to match the incident light's wavelength with the materials' absorption peaks which leads to amazing and exceptional results. Photoelectrochemical measurements were carried out by linear sweep voltammetry in the dark and under illumination condition AM 1.5 G of 100 mW/cm². Comparative analysis between laser-illuminated and traditional light-illuminated systems demonstrates a notable increase in hydrogen production efficiency in the laser-driven setup from 8.2% to 33.2%. This research highlights the potential of laser-assisted PEC technology as a pathway to overcoming the limitations of traditional solar energy systems, contributing to advancements in renewable hydrogen production. <strong>Received: 06 October 2024 </strong> <strong>Accepted: 20 November 2024 </strong> <strong>Published: 27 November 2024</strong>