Additionally, with a single junction, the units have attained photocurrent densities as high as 13.2 milliamps per square centimeter per substrate. These results have been achieved at a scale of 25 cm² per substrate, the same scale as the substrates used in the Company’s most recent 1.5 sq. ft. prototype panel.
“Our recent accomplishments are highly significant as they confirm that we have consistently reached the required operating voltages necessary to run hydrogen generators solely using the sun’s energy” said SunHydrogen’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Syed Mubeen. “This progress brings us closer to achieving commercially viable solar-to-hydrogen efficiency targets. However, to attain this goal, we would require a second junction unit capable of producing photocurrent densities similar to or higher than our first junction, which we are currently working toward.”
Achieving photovoltages over 1.5 volts using inexpensive semiconductors is a feat that has long eluded the industry. While commercially available high-voltage tandem solar cells are expensive and require very high solar concentration systems, SunHydrogen’s approach uses only inexpensive semiconducting material and does not require high solar concentrators, substantially reducing manufacturing and operational complexity and cost.
The SunHydrogen panel is currently the only self-contained nanoparticle-based hydrogen generation device of its kind that utilises the sun’s energy to split water molecules into high-purity green hydrogen and oxygen.
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