Integrated photovoltaic-electrolysis cell

An integrated photovoltaic electrolysis (IPE) cell, comprising a photovoltaic component and an electrolysis component integrated, through an interconnect design, into a single unit,

• wherein the photovoltaic component is comprised of:
• a superstrate or a substrate;
• a transparent conducting front electrode;
• one or more of photovoltaic junction(s);
• and,
• an electrically conductive back electrode;
• and wherein the electrolysis component is comprised of:
• an electrolyte;
• an enclosure that confines the electrolyte;
• a reduction compartment for hydrogen generation;
• an oxidation compartment for oxygen generation;
• a cathode that is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the photovoltaic component;
• such cathode is either made of or coated with a stable hydrogen generation catalyst material that has low hydrogen evolution overpotential and is electrochemically stable under reduction environment;
• an anode that is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the photovoltaic component;
• such anode is either made of or coated with a stable oxygen generation catalyst material that has low oxygen evolution overpotential and is electrochemically stable under oxidation environment;
• an electrolyte inlet for each or both of the reduction and oxidation compartments;
• an outlet for electrolyte and hydrogen in the reduction compartment;
• and,
• an outlet for electrolyte and oxygen in the oxidation compartment.