Temperature dependence of electrocatalytic water oxidation: a triple device model with a photothermal collector and photovoltaic cell coupled to an electrolyzer.

A water oxidation electrocatalyst with high activity is essential for promoting the overall efficiency of an integrated water splitting device. Herein, by investigating the prominent temperature dependence of electrocatalytic water oxidation catalyzed by first row transition metal oxides, we present how to elevate the operating temperature of the electrolyzer as an effective and universal method to improve its electrocatalytic performance. Consequently, a triple device model combining a photothermal collector with a photovoltaic (PV) cell coupled to a water splitting device is proposed to realize the comprehensive and efficient utilization of solar energy: solar heat + PV + electrolyzer.