Graphite-Encapsulated Perovskite Photoelectrodes for Durable Solar-Driven PEC Applications

Zhifan Cheng^a, Shao Heng Chow^a, Eason Yin Shao Tan^a, Li Qi Soh^a, Russell Kay Tham^a, Virgil Andrei^a

^aSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 50, Singapore, Singapore

Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2026 Conference (MATSUSSpring26)

E3 Photocatalysis for solar fuel and chemical synthesis

Barcelona, Spain, 2026 March 23rd - 27th

Organizers: Virgil Andrei and Sixto Gimenez Julia

Oral, Zhifan Cheng, presentation 131
Publication date: 15th December 2025

Perovskite‐based photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems have emerged as highly promising candidates for solar-driven fuel generation due to their excellent light absorption, tunable band structure, and high photovoltage [1], [2], [3]. However, their operational instability, particularly under aqueous and oxidative conditions, remains a critical barrier to practical applications [4], [5]. This project aims to develop an integrated photoanode architecture that enhances both photocurrent output and long-term stability through a synergistic combination of layered perovskite devices, graphite-based conductive coatings, and an epoxy encapsulation. The encapsulation strategy is designed to suppress moisture and chemical degradation, while enabling efficient charge transportation through engineered interfaces. As part of this approach, the conductive graphite coating will effectively interface the perovskite device with a metal-based catalyst for enhanced oxygen evolution activity. By integrating these components directly within a photoanode, the proposed system seeks to deliver improved solar-to-current efficiency and enhanced operational durability towards stable artificial leaf devices. Through systematic optimization of device design and catalytic interface chemistry, this research aims to establish new structure–function relationships [6] that can guide future development of robust perovskite-based photoelectrodes for sustainable solar fuel production.

References:

[1] Andrei, V.; Ucoski, G. M.; Pornrungroj, C.; et al. Floating Perovskite-BiVO4 Devices for Scalable Solar Fuel Production. Nature 2022, 608, 518−522.

[2] Andrei, V.; Reuillard, B.; Reisner, E. Bias-Free Solar Syngas Production by Integrating a Molecular Cobalt Catalyst with Perovskite–BiVO4 Tandems. Nat. Mater. 2020, 19, 189−194.

[3] Andrei, V.; Roh, I.; Lin, J. A.; et al. Perovskite-Driven Solar C2 Hydrocarbon Synthesis from CO2. Nat. Catal. 2025, 8, 137−146.

[4] Andrei, V.; Hoye, R. L.; Crespo-Quesada, M.; et al. Scalable Triple Cation Mixed Halide Perovskite–BiVO4 Tandems for Bias-Free Water Splitting. Adv. Energy Mater. 2018, 8, 1801403.

[5] Andrei, V.; Chiang, Y.-H.; Rahaman, M.; et al. Modular Perovskite-BiVO4 Artificial Leaves towards Syngas Synthesis on a m² Scale. Energy Environ. Sci. 2025, 18, 3623−3632.

[6] Sokol, K. P.; Andrei, V. Automated Synthesis and Characterization Techniques for Solar Fuel Production. Nat. Rev. Mater. 2022, 7, 251−253.

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