Photoelectrochemical cells , a type of solar cell, are designed to convert light radiation (including visible light ) into electrical energy. They consist of a semiconductor photoanode and a metal cathode immersed in an electrolyte . The principle of operation is based on the phenomenon of an internal photoelectric effect .
Some photoelectrochemical cells simply generate electrical energy, while others produce hydrogen in a process similar to the electrolysis of water.
Content
Photogenerating cell
In this type of photoelectrochemical cells, electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen occurs when the anode is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation . Such cells are considered as a method of converting solar energy into a transportable form - hydrogen . Photogenerating cells overcome the 10% barrier of economic efficiency.
Laboratory tests confirm the effectiveness of the process. The main problem is the corrosion of semiconductors in direct contact with water. Research is aimed at meeting the requirements of the Department of Energy of the United States (DoE) - ensuring the service life of 10,000 hours.
Gretzel cells
The Gretzel cell or color-sensitized solar cell uses the color-absorbing, highly porous nanocrystalline titanium oxide (nc-TiO 2 ) to produce electrical energy.
See also
- Artificial photosynthesis
- Hydrogen energy
- Photohydrogen
- Photodissociation
- Photocatalysis
- Photosynthesis
- Photochemistry
- Photochemical reactions
- Photoelectrolysis
Other Third Generation Solar
- Nanocrystalline Solar Panels
- Polymer Solar Panels