Objective
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes represent a promising pathway for sustainable solar-driven chemistry. However, a fundamental bottleneck in the field is the trade-off between current and voltage: while state-of-the-art wide-bandgap photoelectrodes offer high photovoltage, they are limited by low photocurrents. Conversely, innovative narrow-bandgap photoelectrodes excel in generating high photocurrents but fail to produce the necessary photovoltage to drive the electrolytic reaction effectively. Reconciling these limitations to ensure the simultaneous provision of sufficient operating photocurrent and photovoltage under reaction load remains a primary, unresolved challenge in the development of high-efficiency PEC systems.
The SUNFUEL project introduces a disruptive approach to overcome this critical limitation by developing a novel hybrid PEC-TEG system. The core objective is to leverage high-current narrow-bandgap photoelectrodes while addressing their voltage deficit through the strategic integration of a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) system. By coupling this TEG device, the project aims to recycle otherwise wasted infrared photons and thermal energy, providing the missing operating voltage required for efficient water splitting.
This innovative integration targets a paradigm shift in PEC performance, with the potential to enhance current efficiency records by up to two times. By unlocking these critical performance bottlenecks, SUNFUEL aims to advance the scalability and viability of photoelectrochemical processes, ultimately contributing to more efficient and cost-effective green hydrogen production, complex molecules synthesis or water contamination remediation. The project builds upon the foundations established by the SENSATE ERC-CoG, utilizing three main disruptive developments to push the boundaries of current photoelectrochemical technology.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy hydrogen energy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08034 BARCELONA
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.