Floating solar water-splitting oxygen production hydrogen device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of floating solar photolysis water oxygenation hydrogen production devices, the device is provided with water storage pool and pure water tank, pure water tank is obtained by water evaporation in water storage pool, and water is supplied to photoelectrolytic cell by inlet pipe, solar cell assembly is arranged in the frame of photoelectrolytic cell, for converting solar light into electric energy, maintaining the required bias voltage of photoelectrolytic water;Its inside is provided with photoelectrochemical water decomposition component, for the energy electrolytic water hydrogen production in ultraviolet in solar spectrum and visible spectrum, photoelectrochemical water decomposition component includes anode catalyst layer, glass layer, light absorption layer and cathode catalyst layer, anode catalyst layer uses self-bias photo catalyst electrode, oxygen is generated under catalytic action and hydrogen is produced at cathode, infrared spectrum not absorbed by light anode is further converted into bias voltage by light absorption layer and maintained photolysis water hydrogen production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to hydrogen production devices for water electrolysis, and more particularly to a floating solar-powered water photolysis oxygenation and hydrogen production device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is considered an ideal clean energy carrier, as its combustion product is only water, which is pollution-free. Photocatalytic water splitting using solar energy is a highly promising clean hydrogen production method.

[0003] Traditional photocatalytic water splitting methods for hydrogen production typically require generating electricity using solar panels, followed by electrolyzing water in an electrolyzer. This approach suffers from low energy conversion efficiency, system complexity, and high cost. In recent years, photoelectrochemical water splitting technology has developed rapidly. It utilizes semiconductor photocatalysts to directly convert sunlight into chemical energy, driving the water splitting reaction, and has the potential to simplify the system and improve efficiency. However, existing photoelectrochemical water splitting devices still face challenges in areas such as solar energy capture efficiency, photocatalyst performance, electrode design, and gas collection. For example, the light absorption capacity and catalytic efficiency of photocatalysts are insufficient for large-scale applications; existing electrode materials may degrade over long-term use, affecting system stability; furthermore, the design of the gas collection system still needs optimization to improve hydrogen collection efficiency. Therefore, an integrated, efficient, and low-cost solar photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device design is needed.

[0004] Existing technology discloses a mobile fishpond aeration device. This device, through the cooperation of a control mechanism, a steering mechanism, and a drive mechanism, can monitor the oxygen content in the water in real time and control the working position of the aeration equipment, thereby enhancing the aeration effect. However, this device has a complex structure, is bulky, and contains multiple motors, generating noise during operation, which is detrimental to fish growth. Furthermore, an intelligent fishpond aeration control device remotely adjusts the working position of the aerator to improve the uniformity of aeration. However, this device still relies on traditional aeration mechanisms for oxygen supply, resulting in high energy consumption and limited effectiveness in promoting fish growth, failing to effectively address the dual needs of aeration and water nutrient enhancement.

[0005] Therefore, addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes a design for a floating photocatalytic water splitting device for hydrogen and oxygen production. This design aims to enhance both the oxygen and hydrogen content in water through photocatalytic water splitting technology, thereby meeting the requirements for healthy growth of aquatic organisms. This device combines solar photocatalytic water splitting technology with the application of hydrogen and oxygen in aquaculture, featuring low energy consumption, high gas generation capacity, and improved overall performance and operability through simplified system structure. The development of such devices not only provides clean hydrogen as an energy source but also enables a healthier ecological cycle in aquaculture water, demonstrating significant application potential. Utility Model Content

[0006] Purpose of the utility model: The present utility model aims to provide a floating solar-powered water splitting oxygenation and hydrogen production device. This device integrates a solar cell unit and a photoelectrochemical water splitting unit, which can directly use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and diffuse the generated gas into the water body.

[0007] Technical solution: A floating solar-powered water splitting oxygenation and hydrogen production device includes a suspension body, a water storage tank is provided in the suspension body, the water storage tank is provided with a water inlet that is submerged in water, the water in the water storage tank condenses in the form of gas evaporation in the transparent cover on the top and can enter the pure water tank, the pure water tank supplies water to the photoelectric cell through the water inlet pipe, and the photoelectric cell is provided with a gas collection chamber and a gas outlet;

[0008] The narrow edge around the photocell is provided with solar cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy and provide bias voltage to effectively separate electrons and holes generated by photons on the photoanode.

[0009] The inside of the photoelectrochemical water splitting cell is equipped with a photoelectrochemical water splitting component via an electrode support. This component is used to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen using energy from the ultraviolet and visible spectra of the solar spectrum. The photoelectrochemical water splitting component includes an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer, a light absorption layer located between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer, an electrolyte solution filled between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer, and an electron channel formed by connecting them with conductive copper foil. The photoelectrochemical water splitting and hydrogen evolution reaction occurs on the platinum electrode in the cathode catalyst layer, and the generated gas is released into the water through the gas collection chamber and the gas outlet.

[0010] An FTO glass layer is disposed between the anode catalyst layer and the light absorption layer.

[0011] Furthermore, the anode catalyst layer, FTO glass layer, light-absorbing layer, and cathode catalyst layer are encapsulated using an encapsulation material. The cathode catalyst layer is located in pure water for water electrolysis, and the light-absorbing layer is attached to the FTO glass layer.

[0012] The device includes a stirring assembly, comprising a lower propeller located at the bottom in the water, which is connected to upper blades via a gear and linkage structure. Driven by wind, the propeller increases the dissolution of hydrogen and oxygen in the water and enables the device to float.

[0013] Furthermore, the photocatalyst coated in the anode catalyst layer includes at least one of TiO2, FeO3, BiVO4, and their modified materials;

[0014] The light-absorbing layer includes a copper indium gallium selenide thin-film battery or a perovskite thin-film battery.

[0015] The encapsulation material is an elastic substance cured from dimethylsiloxane.

[0016] In this device, the upper anode catalyst layer is used to absorb sunlight in the range of 0-550nm, and the middle light absorption layer is used to absorb light with wavelengths above 550nm to achieve photovoltaic power generation. It includes solar cells to provide the bias voltage used to separate electrons and holes.

[0017] Solar cells include monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon solar cells, which are connected in parallel to a photoelectric hydrolyzer to provide a stable bias voltage.

[0018] The chambers containing the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer are separated by ion exchange membranes or porous membranes.

[0019] Furthermore, the device is enclosed in a transparent shell, including a transparent shell made of glass or acrylic sheet.

[0020] The water storage tank includes a solar distillation unit and a water collection hood that collects and transfers distilled water to the pure water tank.

[0021] Working Principle: When sunlight shines on the solar-powered water splitting device, the solar cell unit converts some of the solar energy into electrical energy, providing the bias voltage required to maintain the photoelectrochemical water splitting. Simultaneously, sunlight passes through a transparent protective layer and shines on the photocatalyst anode of the photoelectrochemical water splitting unit. On the surface of the photocatalyst (e.g., TiO2), photons excite the semiconductor to generate electron-hole pairs. Under the influence of the built-in electric field, electrons and holes separate and migrate to the semiconductor surface. Holes have strong oxidizing properties, capable of oxidizing water molecules to produce oxygen, protons (H+), and electrons. Electrons combine with protons through an external circuit or directly at the cathode, reducing water molecules to produce hydrogen gas.

[0022] The voltage generated by the solar cells can further drive the water splitting reaction, increasing the reaction rate and efficiency, especially under conditions of insufficient light intensity. A gas collection chamber collects oxygen produced at the anode and hydrogen produced at the cathode, and then exports it through a gas guiding channel. The exported gas is dispersed into the water body by a propeller, increasing the hydrogen and oxygen content in the water.

[0023] Beneficial effects: The device provided by this utility model maximizes the use of sunlight, adopts layered photovoltaic cells for power generation and photoelectric water splitting, and distills the water for electrolysis. It uses a self-biased photoelectrode as the photoelectric water splitting component, combined with photovoltaic power generation, which can reduce the impact of insufficient light intensity and other situations. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a side view of the structure of the device described in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photoelectrochemical water splitting component;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a front view of the device structure described in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow between the water storage tank and the pure water tank in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the gas yield calculation in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To provide a detailed explanation of the technical solution disclosed in this utility model, further details are provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Based on the photovoltaic power generation and related hydrogen production technologies described in the background technology, including the existing integrated portable photovoltaic electrolysis water hydrogen production device and hydrogen production system, this utility model further proposes a new application and a new solution to the existing technology, namely a floating solar photolysis water oxygenation and hydrogen production device.

[0031] This invention first employs a suspension body 1 as its main structure, which is further divided into three modules: a water storage tank 15, a pure water tank 16, and a photoelectric distillation cell 2. The water storage tank 15 draws water from the external aquatic environment through a water inlet 8a. The water storage tank 15 is equipped with solar distillation components, such as evaporation plates (black passivated aluminum alloy plates that concentrate energy under sunlight to promote evaporation) and reflector covers, among other light-concentrating devices. A water collection hood is installed at the top of the water storage tank 15, and the evaporated water vapor condenses at the top and flows into the pure water tank 16. The pure water tank 16 injects water into the photoelectric distillation cell 2 through a conduit 8b. The water storage tank 15 and the pure water tank 16 together form a water tank 3, and the draft of the suspension body 1 is controlled by the water inflow rate.

[0032] For the photoelectric descaling tank 2, the mechanism set by this utility model is as follows:

[0033] The transparent outer shell is made of tempered glass or polymer materials with high light transmittance.

[0034] The photovoltaic cell module and the photoelectrochemical water splitting module are integrated. The photoelectrolysis cell 2 is composed of multiple sets of electrolysis units 2a connected in parallel, with the water inlet and gas production outlet of the electrolysis units sharing the same space. A solar cell module 2b is installed around the narrow perimeter of the photoelectrolysis cell 2 to convert sunlight into electrical energy, and the resulting bias voltage supports photoelectrochemical water splitting. The solar cell module 2b is a monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon solar cell. Multiple sets of photoelectrochemical water splitting modules 2a are installed inside the photoelectrolysis cell 2 via an electrode support 6, using energy from the ultraviolet and visible spectra of the solar spectrum for hydrogen production through water electrolysis. The photoelectrochemical water splitting unit 2a is supported by the electrode support 6 and has a layered structure including an anode catalyst layer 9, a glass layer 10, a light absorption layer 11, and a cathode catalyst layer 12. Both ends are encapsulated by an encapsulation material 14. The anode and cathode are connected by a conductive copper foil 13, and the interior is filled with an electrolyte solution. If high-purity hydrogen and oxygen are required, an ion exchange membrane or a porous membrane can be used to separate the anode and cathode chambers. The electrolyte solution is a neutral or weakly alkaline aqueous solution, such as a solution containing Na₂SO₄ or KOH, to improve ionic conductivity. Both the anode catalyst layer 9 and the cathode catalyst layer 12 employ self-biased photocatalyst electrodes. The photoanode can be a doped TiO₂ nanotube array, prepared on a conductive substrate by sputtering or hydrothermal methods. The cathode can be a conductive material modified with noble metals (such as Pt) or non-noble metal catalysts (such as NiMo). The photovoltaic cell module uses high-efficiency monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon solar cells, connected in parallel with the water splitting module to form a module with suitable voltage and current output. A gas collection chamber, made of corrosion-resistant polymer or metal material, is located above the photocell 2. Its internal structure is designed to ensure smooth gas collection and discharge. The gas collection chamber is connected to the gas outlet 7, through which hydrogen and oxygen are discharged into the water body.

[0035] The suspended body 1 is also equipped with a stirring assembly 4, which includes an underwater propeller and air-mounted blades. The two are driven by gears and connecting rods. The air-mounted blades rotate under the action of wind power, driving the underwater propeller to rotate, thereby enabling the device to move forward. The driving method can also be configured as electric, with power supplied by an integrated photovoltaic battery.

[0036] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the above-described device, including to further understand the implementation principle, the following is a further introduction to the components in the photovoltaic cell assembly and the photocell 2.

[0037] Structure of the self-biased photoelectrode: The cathode catalyst layer 12 is loaded with 0.1 mg / cm³ of material. 2 It is composed of Pt nanoparticles, and the light-absorbing layer 11 contains a copper indium gallium selenide film with a thickness of 20-30 nm. The light-absorbing layer 11 can be attached to the ITO glass 10, and the anode catalyst layer 9 is loaded with 0.5 mg / cm³. 2Fe2O3 catalyst.

[0038] Preparation of the photoanode (anodic catalyst layer 9): 1-1000 mmol of ferric chloride hexahydrate and urea were dissolved in 50 mL of deionized water. The solution was transferred to an autoclave containing ITO glass (conductive side facing inward) and kept at 95°C for 5 hours. After cooling, the sample was rinsed with deionized water and annealed at 300-650°C for 2 hours in air. Subsequently, the temperature was raised to 700-800°C and held for 15 minutes. After cooling, the Fe2O3 photoanode was obtained.

[0039] Fabrication of the photocathode (cathode catalyst layer 12): A CuInGa pre-film was prepared on a glass substrate using a self-made CuInGa alloy target via magnetron sputtering, with the elemental ratio controlled at 1:1:x, where x = 0.01-0.3. Selenization was completed through a two-step heating process using a solid selenium source. First, the film was heated at a low temperature (450-700℃) for 30 minutes, and then at a high temperature (approximately 550-750℃) for 25 minutes to obtain the copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) light-absorbing layer. Using the CIGS film as the cathode, a platinum sheet as the anode, and potassium chloroplatinate as the electrolyte, Pt nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of the CIGS film by electrodeposition.

[0040] Reaction 2 occurs at the photoanode: 4OH-→O2+2H2O+4e-. The generated hydrogen and oxygen are separated and discharged through gas outlet 7. The photocathode and photoanode are connected by a 35μm conductive copper foil 13 to form a self-biased electrode 5, which is encapsulated with polydimethylsiloxane 14 and fixed at a distance of 20mm from the bottom of the photoelectrolysis cell by an electrode support 6. The electrolyte level in the photoelectrolysis cell 2 is preset to be 1-10mm from the upper surface of the self-biased electrode 5 to ensure good light absorption. When the water level drops to the preset liquid level, pure water is automatically replenished into the photoelectrolysis cell 2 from the pure water tank 15 by gravity until the liquid level is restored.

[0041] When the device is in operation, sunlight enters from the photoanode surface supported by the Fe2O3 catalyst. Fe2O3 absorbs sunlight with wavelengths ≤550nm, generating a large number of photogenerated electrons and holes within it. The light passing through the photoanode illuminates the copper indium gallium selenide thin film light-absorbing layer on its back. The potential generated by this layer provides a bias voltage, promoting the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes in the photoanode. Driven by this bias voltage, a water oxidation reaction occurs on the surface of the anode catalyst: 4OH-→O2+2H2O+4e-. At the same time, electrons generated on the photoanode flow along the external circuit (conductive copper foil) to the cathode, where a photoelectrolysis of water and hydrogen evolution half-reaction occurs on the platinum electrode: 2H2O+2e-→2OH-+H2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the injected electrolyte solution is a 1M sodium hydroxide solution, and the light-absorbing surface area is 48 cm⁻¹. 2At room temperature, the overall light utilization efficiency can reach 11.2%, and under one ray of sunlight, the oxygen yield can reach 436 μmol cm⁻¹. 2 h- 1 The hydrogen yield can reach 896 μmol cm⁻¹. 2 h- 1 ,

[0043] In this embodiment, the injected electrolyte solution is a 1M sodium hydroxide solution, and the light-absorbing surface area is 48 cm⁻¹. 2 At room temperature, the overall light utilization efficiency can reach 11.2%, and under one ray of sunlight, the oxygen yield can reach 436 μmol cm⁻¹. 2 h- 1 The hydrogen yield can reach 896 μmol cm⁻¹. 2 h- 1 ,like Figure 5 As shown.

[0044] Finally, the device provided by this invention combines a photovoltaic power generation unit and a photoelectrochemical water splitting unit to achieve direct and efficient hydrogen production by splitting water using sunlight. This design has advantages such as compact structure, low cost, and ease of installation and maintenance, and is expected to play an important role in the future clean energy field.

Claims

1. A floating solar-powered water splitting and hydrogen production device, characterized in that, The system includes a suspension body (1), which is equipped with a water storage tank (15). The water storage tank (15) is equipped with a water inlet that is submerged in water. The water in the water storage tank (15) can enter the pure water tank (16) after condensing in the transparent cover on top of the tank in the form of gas evaporation. The pure water tank (16) supplies water to the photoelectrolysis cell (2) through a water inlet pipe. The photoelectrolysis cell (2) is equipped with a gas collection chamber and a gas outlet (7). The photoelectrolysis cell (2) is composed of several sets of electrolysis units (2a) connected in parallel, and the water inlet and gas outlet of several sets of electrolysis units (2a) are shared; a solar cell module (2b) is provided inside the frame of the photoelectrolysis cell (2) to convert sunlight into electrical energy, and the generated bias voltage supports photoelectrolysis. The solar cell module (2b) is a monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon solar cell. The photoelectrochemical water splitting unit (2) is also equipped with an electrode support (6) inside the photoelectrochemical water splitting cell (2) to use the energy in the ultraviolet and visible spectra of the solar spectrum for electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen. The photoelectrochemical water splitting electrolysis unit (2a) includes an anode catalyst layer (9) and a cathode catalyst layer (12), a light absorption layer (11) located between the anode catalyst layer (9) and the cathode catalyst layer (12), an electrolyte solution is filled between the anode catalyst layer (9) and the cathode catalyst layer (12), and an electron channel is formed by connecting them through a conductive copper foil (13). The photoelectrochemical water splitting and hydrogen evolution reaction occurs on the platinum electrode in the cathode catalyst layer (12), and the generated gas is integrated into the water through the gas collection chamber and the gas outlet (7). An FTO glass layer (10) is disposed between the anode catalyst layer (9) and the light absorption layer (11).

2. The floating solar-powered water splitting and hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode catalyst layer (9), FTO glass layer (10), light absorption layer (11) and cathode catalyst layer (12) are encapsulated by an encapsulation material (14). The cathode catalyst layer (12) is located in pure water for water electrolysis. The light absorption layer (11) is attached to the FTO glass layer (10) for absorbing infrared spectra with wavelengths >550 nm and generating a bias voltage that promotes the separation of electrons and holes in the photocatalyst for water splitting.

3. The floating solar-powered water splitting and hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a stirring assembly (4), which includes a lower propeller located at the bottom in the water, and the lower propeller is connected to the upper blades via a gear and rod structure. Driven by the rotation of blades in the air, the propeller promotes the dissolution of hydrogen and oxygen in the water and enables the device to float.

4. The floating solar-powered water splitting and hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper anode catalyst layer (9) is used to absorb sunlight of 0-550nm, and the middle light absorption layer (11) is used to absorb light of wavelengths above 550nm to achieve photoelectric conversion. It includes solar cells set around the photoelectric water splitting tank to maintain the bias voltage required for the photoelectric water splitting catalytic reaction.

5. The floating solar-powered water splitting and hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Solar cell modules include monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon solar cells, which are used to provide a bias voltage of 0.4 to 0.9V and maintain the photoelectrochemical hydrogen production reaction by being connected in parallel with a photovoltaic cell consisting of a photocathode and a photoanode.

6. The floating solar-powered water splitting and hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chambers containing the anode catalyst layer (9) and the cathode catalyst layer (12) are separated by an ion exchange membrane or a porous membrane.

7. The floating solar-powered water splitting and hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank (15) includes a solar distillation unit and a water collection hood that collects and transmits distilled water to the pure water tank (16).

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