Prof. Fatwa F. Abdi’s groundbreaking research paper titled “Assessing elevated pressure impact on photoelectrochemical water splitting via multiphysics modeling” has been published in Nature Communications. The study explores the impact of elevated pressure on the efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, offering new insights for sustainable energy production.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has been largely investigated to generate green hydrogen using solar energy. Various demonstration devices have been reported with appreciable efficiencies. However, all these devices operate at atmospheric pressure; yet applications of hydrogen typically require hydrogen to be delivered at elevated pressure. In this study, Prof. Abdi and the research team investigate for the first time the prospect of performing PEC water splitting directly at a higher pressure. Specifically, they develop a multiphase multiphysics model and an analytical framework based on empirical data and experimental validations to quantify the influence of operating pressure on key device parameters. Prof. Abdi and the team contrast the benefits vs. penalties of operating at elevated pressure and find that 6 - 8 bar is the optimum operating pressure range. This unprecedented result will be highly valuable in designing efficient and practical PEC water splitting devices.

Prof. Fatwa F. Abdi’s research exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, as it combines expertise in electrochemistry, fluid dynamics, and materials science to address pressing energy challenges. The publication of this research paper in a prestigious journal serves as a testament to Prof. Abdi’s expertise and significant contributions to the field of sustainable energy research. The study’s findings have the potential to drive the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems, bringing us closer to a sustainable future.