High-Entropy Perovskite Oxides for Thermochemical Solar Fuel Production

Abstract

The increasing global demand for energy, coupled with the need to mitigate climate change, has spurred significant interest in renewable energy sources. Among these, solar energy holds particular promise due to its abundance and potential to be converted into clean fuels through thermochemical cycles. High-entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs) have emerged as promising materials for solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) production, offering advantages over traditional materials like ceria due to their enhanced thermal stability, flexibility in composition, and lower operating temperatures. Herein, the advantages of HEPOs, including their stability under extreme thermal conditions which is critical for repeated redox cycling in H₂ production, are highlighted. The inherent configurational entropy allows for a broader range of element incorporation, leading to improved tunability of physical properties. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of cost and scalability. To address this, strategies such as the use of more abundant elements and optimized synthesis are discussed. Additionally, the future potential of HEPOs, including their integration into advanced solar reactors, is explored, and how computational methods can be employed to predict new high-entropy compositions with improved performance is examined. The development of HEPOs for STCH offers a promising pathway toward sustainable hydrogen production, addressing both environmental and economic challenges.