In this project, novel heterojunction thin film electrode-based photo-electrochemical (PEC) water-splitting devices integrated with photo-chargeable zinc ion batteries (photo-ZIB) will be developed to provide hydrogen (H2) in a clean, sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective way. The bias potential required by the system to be produced is met by photo-ZIB, which can be directly charged by sunlight. Specifically, we propose to make heterojunctions of zinc oxide nanostructure with kesterite-type and chalcogenide-type semiconductor thin films for highly efficient PEC reactions. Besides, compositionally complex ceramics will be used to improve the photo-anodes’ stability and catalytic activity. Dark cathodes based on high-entropy ceramics will be obtained to provide a cost-effective alternative to current technology. Thus, it aims to design an innovative device that can be an alternative to the classically used photovoltaic solar cell-electrolyzer systems in terms of cost and efficiency.
