Development of electrochemical photovoltaic cells. Third technical progress report, November 1, 1979-January 31, 1980

Technical Report · Fri Mar 07 00:00:00 EST 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5321430· OSTI ID:5321430

Byker, H. J.; Schwerzel, R. E.; Wood, V. E.; Austin, A. E.; Brooman, E. W.

The development of stable, efficient, electrochemical photovoltaic cells based on silicon and gallium arsenide in non-aqueous electrolyte systems is being investigated. The effect of surface condition of silicon electrodes on electrochemical and physical characteristics has been studied. An electrode-supporting electrolyte interaction in acetonitrile has been identified which leads to etching of the surface. Improved performance can result, which has practical significance. Gallium arsenide electrodes have been electrochemically characterized in cells containing propylene carbonate with a ferrocene/ferricenium redox additive. Degradation of the ferricenium salt under illumination has been investigated. Other redox couples studied to date have not given promising results. Long-term stability experiments have been deferred while a better understanding of electrode behavior is being obtained.

• Research Organization: Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EG-77-C-01-4042
• OSTI ID: 5321430
• Report Number(s): DSE-4042-T24
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
REDOX REACTIONS
FABRICATION
GALLIUM ARSENIDES
MATERIALS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SILICON
STABILITY
ARSENIC COMPOUNDS
ARSENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
GALLIUM COMPOUNDS
PNICTIDES
SEMIMETALS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
140505* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion- (1980-)