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n-type Si-based photoelectrochemical cell: new liquid junction photocell using a nonaqueous ferricenium/ferrocene electrolyte

Journal Article · · Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States)
n-Type Si has been shown to serve as a stable photoanode in a cell for the conversion of light to electricity. The other components of the cells are a Pt cathode and an electrolyte consisting of an ethanol solution of (n-Bu/sub 4/N)ClO/sub 4/ with a redox couple of ferricenium/ferrocene. Data from a two-compartment cell show that ferrocene is oxidized to ferricenium with 100/sup + -/ 2% current efficiency at the Si photoanode. Furthermore, prolonged irradiation of the Si in a one-compartment cell yields constant photocurrent and output characteristics. The maximum open-circuit photopotential is approx. 700 mV, and the short-circuit quantum yield for electron flow at low light intensity exceeds 0.5. Conversion of monochromatic 632.8-nm light to electricity with approx. 2% power efficiency at an output voltage of approx. 200 mV has been sustained. These results represent a stable n-type Si-based photoelectrochemical cell. 48 references.
Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
OSTI ID:
6371801
Journal Information:
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States) Vol. 74:10; ISSN PNASA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English