Electrochemical photovoltaic cells/stabilization and optimization of II-VI semiconductors. First technical progress report, 15 April 1980-30 June 1980

Technical Report · Sun Jul 20 04:00:00 EDT 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5113038· OSTI ID:5113038

Noufi, R.; Tench, D.; Warren, L.

The overall goal of this program is to provide the basis for designing a practical electrochemical solar cell based on the II-VI compound semiconductors. Emphasis is on developing new electrolyte redox systems and electrode surface modifications which will stabilize the II-VI compounds against photodissolution without seriously degrading the long-term solar response. The bulk electrode material properties are also being optimized to provide the maximum solar conversion efficiency and greatest inherent electrode stability. Factors limiting the short circuit current of the n-CdSe/methanol/ferro-ferricyanide system to 17.5 mA/cm/sup 2/ have been identified. The principal limiting factor is apparently specific adsorption of hexacyanoferrate species on the electrode surface which occurs at higher redox couple concentrations and slows the overall charge transfer process. Ion pairing also occurs, resulting in a low mass transport rate (smaller diffusion coefficients and increased solution viscosity), and probably enhances the degree of specific adsorption. Improvements in the performance of this system will require mitigation of the interactions between the redox species and the electrode surface, e.g., via electrolytes with reduced ion-pairing tendencies or the use of electrode surface films. Photoelectrochemically generated polypyrrole films have been shown to protect CdX photoanodes from dissolution while permitting electron exchange with the electrolyte. Current effort is directed toward improving the film adhesion and optimizing the performance characteristics.

• Research Organization: Rockwell International Corp., Thousand Oaks, CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-77CH00178
• OSTI ID: 5113038
• Report Number(s): SERI/PR-9276-T1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140505* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion-- (1980-)
ALCOHOLS
ANODES
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS
CADMIUM SULFIDES
CADMIUM TELLURIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMPLEXES
CURRENTS
DESIGN
DIFFUSION
DISSOLUTION
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
EQUIPMENT
FERRICYANIDES
FERROCYANIDES
FILMS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC PHOSPHORS
IONS
IRON COMPLEXES
IRON IONS
MATERIALS
METHANOL
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOSPHORS
PHOTOANODES
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
POLYMERS
REDOX REACTIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
STABILIZATION
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
TELLURIDES
TELLURIUM COMPOUNDS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPLEXES