Electrolysis of water produces hydrogen, which has immense potential as a clean, renewable fuel.  Radiant energy from the sun could drive the electrolysis, assuming a suitable photocatalyst is identified.  In this work, combinations of mixed metal oxides have been tested, with the goal of finding materials with suitable band gaps and band positions for the photoelectrolysis of water with visible radiation.  Two inexpensive systems have been employed:  SHArK (Solar Hydrogen Activity Research Kit) and SEAL (Solar Energy Activity Lab). One utilizes a green laser pointer as a light source and the other employs an array of LEDs.  These systems allow efficient analysis of photocurrents generated by various multicomponent metal oxides.  Results from the two methods will be compared for promising combinations.

Investigating the photocatalytic activity of mixed metal oxides with SHArK and SEAL to generate hydrogen from water

245th National Meeting (2013)

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