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Title: Electrochemical photovoltaic cells based on n-GaAs and the triiodide/iodide redox couple in acetonitrile

Journal Article · · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2124254· OSTI ID:6492704

The electrochemical photovoltaic cell (EPC) based on n-GaAs and a CH/sub 3/CN, I/sub 3//sup -//I/sup -/ redox electrolyte was evaluated. Greater than 1MI/sup -/ was necessary to avoid concentration polarization at the photoanode above moderate illumination intensities. The charge separation at the illuminated n-GaAs/electrolyte interface was enhanced by adsorption of Se/sup ./ and Ru/sup +3/ or by complexing polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone. In practical cells, a compromise is necessary between light absorption by I/sub 3//sup -/, and having sufficient I/sub 3//sup -/ to depolarize the counterelectrode. Best ''solar cell'' efficiency in the quiescent electrolyte under 53 mW/cm/sup 2/ irradiation was about 3.4% with V/sub oc/.0.60,i/sub sc/.9 mA/cm/sup 2/, and fill factor 0.34 with no corrections for solution absorbance or cell reflectance. 16 refs.

Research Organization:
EIC Lab Inc, Newton, MA, USA
OSTI ID:
6492704
Journal Information:
J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 129:8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English