Solar-Driven Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Cells for Continuous Power Generation with Coupled Optical and Thermal Integration

This study presents the development of a solar-driven thermally regenerative electrochemical cell (STREC) for continuous power generation. Key innovations include dual-function carbon-based electrodes for efficient solar absorption and electrochemical reactions, a transparent and ultrainsulating silica aerogel to maximize solar spectrum transmission while minimizing heat loss, and a compact heat exchanger to recover heat from hot cell streams. Under 1 sun conditions, the STREC achieves a power density of 912.1 mW/m², doubling the performance compared to a nonintegrated system. At higher solar concentrations (2 suns), the power density further increases to 1214.4 mW/m². Our findings indicate that this combination holds significant promise for efficient and continuous solar power generation. The application of state-of-the-art redox couples with high-temperature coefficients suggests a potential solar electricity efficiency of 12.6%, comparable to that of industrial photovoltaic technologies, providing a viable pathway for enhancing the renewable energy share in the global energy mix.