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Green hydrogen is mainly produced via electrolysis, where water is split into H2 and O2 using electricity from renewable resources such as wind or solar power. An alternative approach is photoelectro-chemical (PEC) water splitting, which directly converts sunlight into H2 and O2 in a single device. This method has the theoretical advantage of a smaller footprint compared to conventional electrolysis plants plus PV, as it integrates light absorption and electrolysis into one system. However, PEC technology still faces significant challenges in efficiency, stability, and scalability. While its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) remains low, ongoing research is driving progress, making it an increasingly interesting option for green H2 production.
As part of the project AltGen, a PEC cell design was developed and successfully implemented. Additionally, a test rig was planned, built, and commissioned. To ensure a comprehensive characterization of the cell and individual electrodes, a test protocol was developed. The photoanodes are developed and are continuously improved through various doping and sputtering processes to create stable and high-performing catalysts. The electrodes were integrated into the in-house PEC cell and have already been successfully tested.

Impact and effects

These advances are helping to bring PEC technology to a higher TRL. The in-house development of the cell and test rig allows for flexible and accelerated electrode and catalyst testing, while allowing for quick and easy hardware changes if needed. This adaptability is a major advantage over off-the-shelf hardware, as no quick adjustments can be made to possible new requirements.
The current cell design designed with CAD is shown in the figure. Further iteration steps are planned to continuously optimize the cell design.

Project partner

• Energienetze Steiermark, AUT
• OMV Downstream, AUT
• Miba, AUT
• Verbund Green Hydrogen GmbH, AUT
• Simon Fraser University, CAN
• Austrian Institute of Technology, AUT
• TU Wien, AUT

This success story was provided by the centre management and by the mentioned project partners for the purpose of being published on the FFG website. HyCentA COMET Center is a COMET Centre within the COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies Programme and funded by BMIMI, BMWET, provinces of Styria, Upper Austria, Tyrol, and Vienna and the SFG. The COMET Programme is managed by FFG. Further information on COMET: www.ffg.at/comet