CX-100899 Protective catalyst systems on III-V and Si-based Semiconductors for Efficient, Durable Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Devices

Protective catalyst systems on III-V and Si-based Semiconductors for Efficient, Durable Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Devices
Award Number: DE-EE0008084
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B3.15
Fuel Cells Technologies Office
Location(s): CA
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Stanford University for the development, fabrication, and testing of III-V semiconductor devices for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production from water splitting. Project work would occur within existing laboratory facilities at Stanford University in California. This is a three-year research project that includes three budget periods. Only Budget Period 1 (BP1) is being negotiated at this time so this NEPA review is for BP1 activities only. Additional NEPA review will be required if DOE proposes to continue funding the project into subsequent budget periods.

Project activities include the development, fabrication, and testing of thin film catalyst and protection layers; thin film catalyst synthesis; PEC analysis; epitaxial thin film growth and quality characterization; and project management/reporting activities. Project work would occur in existing facilities/laboratories designed for this type of work that would utilize standard laboratory equipment; therefore no modifications, new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary. No ground disturbing activities, no changes in operation of existing facilities, and no installation of equipment outdoors would occur at any of the facilities involved in the project. The project would involve the use of acids, gases, and solvents; some of which could be hazardous. Each facility would adhere to standard operating procedures that have been developed in compliance with Stanford’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Engineering controls such as personal protective equipment, fume hoods, dedicated chemical storage facilities, and appropriate disposal practices are in place to mitigate the opportunity for exposure to hazards. Handling and disposal practices would be in accordance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Other non-hazardous wastes would be disposed of in accordance with established EH&S guidelines at each facility. Nanoscale materials would be utilized during project activities. For materials that could pose a risk from inhalation of particulates, deposition would take place in a fume hood. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.