Method for Producing a Photosensitive Thin Film Structure for Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Use Thereof

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention presents a novel manufacturing process for creating a light-sensitive thin-layer structure for photocathodes, which are used in catalytically producing hydrogen using sunlight. The key advancement is an efficient, durable, and cost-effective thin-film system that uses a specially-prepared indium phosphide (InP) layer with surface modifications and a nanostructured catalytic metal coating. Crucially, this thin layer can be detached from its expensive indium phosphide wafer substrate, allowing for repeated use of the wafer and application of the thin film on cheaper, conductive supports, significantly reducing costs while improving performance and stability for solar hydrogen generation.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial-scale hydrogen production plants utilizing solar-driven water splitting.
• Clean fuel generation units for storing and distributing hydrogen energy.
• Integration into photoelectrochemical cells for renewable hydrogen production.
• On-site hydrogen generators for fuel cell powered vehicles or backup power systems.
• Research platforms for developing more efficient renewable energy devices.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Higher efficiency in solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion compared to existing systems.
• Improved long-term operational stability and resistance to photocorrosion of the photocathode material.
• Substantially reduced reliance on expensive indium phosphide wafers by enabling their reuse.
• Lower material costs by employing ultrathin absorber layers and minimal quantities of catalytic metals in nanoparticle form.
• Flexibility to apply the active thin-film onto various low-cost, electrically conductive substrates, broadening commercial applicability.
• Scalable process compatible with industrial production methods, supporting the move towards large-scale clean hydrogen production.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Known photocathodes do not have sufficient efficiency or long-term stability. A high-cost indium phosphide wafer must be used. The method according to the invention provides an efficient thin-layer structure (01) for light-induced electrolysis for the first time. The method comprises a preparation step (PREP) for homoepitaxially producing a thin indium phosphide layer (03) having a special surface that can be activated in a light-induced manner on a {100} indium phosphide wafer (02). In a conditioning step (COND), the indium phosphide layer (03) is then catalytically activated by means of cyclic voltammetry in chloride-containing acid in order to produce an interfacial film (04). Then, in a deposition step (DEP) that reinforces the interfacial film (04) further, a thin catalytically active layer (05) of nanoparticles (06) made of a transition metal Rh, Pt, Ir, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Mo, or Fe or a mixture thereof is deposited and covers the interfacial film (04) completely. The indium phosphide layer (03) or the thin-layer structure (01) can be removed from the indium phosphide wafer (02) in a separation step (SEP) and transferred to any substrate having a conductive surface for a photocathode. Therefore, the high-cost indium phosphide wafer (02) can be reused.