Technoeconomic Model and Pathway to <$2/kg Green Hydrogen Using Integrated Halide Perovskite Photoelectrochemical Cells

Abstract

The cost of gray hydrogen produced via fossil fuel-based steam-methane reforming has led the U.S. Department of Energy to specify <$2/kg H2 as a target for commercially competitive green hydrogen generation methods. Integrated photoelectrochemical cells have been proposed as a solar-to-hydrogen conversion technology. Here, we describe a technoeconomically feasible pathway to reaching <$2/kg green H2 using integrated photoelectrochemical cells with halide perovskite photoabsorbers, low-cost conductive barriers, and low precious metal-content catalysts in an aqueous, membrane-separated cell. A base-case solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 20%, stable lifetime of 10 years, and a combined electrocatalyst-plus-panel cost of $50/m2 enabled a levelized cost of hydrogen of $2.43/kg, which dropped below $2/kg with improved performance metrics including material cost, improvements in process design, or subsidies. We relate these metrics to lab-scale reports to recommend best research practices for scientists and funding agencies working at this intersection of photovoltaics, electrocatalysis, and surface science.