Multi-layer water-splitting devices
Water-splitting devices and methods for manufacturing water-splitting devices or solar cells is disclosed. The method seeks to provide a relatively high-volume, low-cost mass-production method. In one example, the method facilitates simultaneous co-assembly of one or more sub-units and two or more polymer films or sheets to form a water-splitting device. According to another aspect, there is provided an improved water-splitting device. In one example form, there is provided a water-splitting device which includes a first electrode for producing oxygen gas and a second electrode for producing hydrogen gas from water. The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer, and at least one spacer layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer.
1. A water splitting device comprising at least one cathode and at least one anode, wherein at least one liquid-permeable and gas-permeable spacer layer is positioned between the at least one cathode and the at least one anode, and wherein the water splitting device is arranged so that liquid electrolytes can permeate through the at least one liquid-permeable and gas-permeable spacer layer and thus be in fluid communication with both the at least one cathode and the at least one anode, wherein the spacer layer comprises embossed structures defining microfluidic plumbing structures configured for transmission of gas.
2. The water splitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one spacer layer extends substantially across a surface of either or both of the at least one cathode and the at least one anode.
3. The water splitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one spacer layer separates the at least one anode and the at least one cathode and permits a flow of the liquid electrolytes therebetween.
4. The water splitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one cathode and the at least one anode are formed from one or more flexible materials.
5. The water splitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one spacer layer additionally comprises ribs, nets, woven fabric material, non-woven fabric material, beads, balls or separator membranes.
6. The water splitting device according claim 1 , wherein there are at least two cathodes and at least two anodes arranged in at least two cathode-anode pairs, and wherein a spacer layer of the at least one spacer layer is positioned between a cathode and an anode of two or more of the at least two cathode-anode pairs.
7. The water splitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one cathode and the at least one anode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer.
8. The water splitting device according to claim 7 , wherein a first gas permeable layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the at least one cathode, and a second gas permeable layer is positioned between the second outer polymer layer and the at least one anode.
9. The water splitting device according to claim 7 , wherein the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer are flexible.
10. The water splitting device according to claim 7 , wherein the first outer polymer layer or the second outer polymer layer is formed of a conductive polymer on which a metal is deposited.
11. The water splitting device according to claim 7 , wherein either one or both of the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer are transparent.
12. The water splitting device according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one cathode and the at least one anode form at least part of a solar cell.
13. The water splitting device according to claim 12 , wherein the first outer polymer layer and/or the second outer polymer layer include a recess into which the solar cell at least partially fits.
14. The water splitting device according to claim 11 , wherein either one or both of the at least one cathode and the at least one anode include a titanium foil or coated titanium film.
15. The water splitting device according to claim 11 , wherein either one or both of the at least one cathode and the at least one anode include a covering layer which includes a water oxidation catalyst.
16. A method for treating water, comprising applying a voltage between the at least one cathode and the at least one anode of the water splitting device according to claim 1 which includes water, thereby splitting at least some of the water and producing hydrogen.
17. A water splitting device comprising:
at least one cathode and at least one anode arranged in at least one cathode-anode pair;
at least one electrolyte layer spacer positioned in an electrolyte layer of the at least one cathode-anode pair, wherein the at least one electrolyte layer spacer separates the at least one anode and the at least one cathode and permits a flow of liquid electrolytes therebetween;
at least one gas permeable membrane and at least one gas layer spacer, wherein the at least one gas layer spacer is positioned outside the electrolyte layer and adjacent the at least one gas permeable membrane, and
wherein the water splitting device is arranged so that the liquid electrolytes can permeate through the at least one electrolyte layer spacer and thus be in fluid communication with both the at least one cathode and the at least one anode;
wherein at least one of the electrolyte layer spacer and the gas spacer layer comprises embossed structures defining microfluidic plumbing structures configured for transmission of gas.
18. The water splitting device according to claim 17 , wherein there are provided two or more cathode-anode pairs.
19. The method for treating water according to claim 16 , including maintaining an electrolyte under conditions to suppress the formation of at least one of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas in the electrolyte.