New solar cells mimic natural photosynthesis

Journal Article · Mon Oct 03 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)

OSTI ID:6771003

Tien, H T ^[1]

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1. Michigan State Univ., MI (US)

A new type of solar cell shows promise not only for generating electricity but also for producing chemicals. The device, being developed by the authors depends on a process reminiscent of natural photosynthesis. They note that solid-state solar cells are expensive because they require highly purified single crystals. A less expensive alternative is to use semiconducting polycrystallites in photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). A conventional PEC consists of a photoelectrode made of semiconducting material, a counterelectrode, and an electrolyte, all contained in one compartment. Efficient PECs have been made using that approach. However, Tien says, the single-compartment design precludes the separation of light-generated products. The new approach, modeled on photosynthesis, overcomes that drawback.

• OSTI ID: 6771003
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Vol. 66:40
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR CELLS
DESIGN
ELECTRODES
ELECTRONS
MEMBRANES
MONOCRYSTALS
OXIDATION
PHOTOELECTROLYTIC CELLS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
POLYCRYSTALS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CRYSTALS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EQUIPMENT
FERMIONS
LEPTONS
MATERIALS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SYNTHESIS
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion