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Photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water by a p- and n-type polycrystalline iron oxide assembly

Journal Article · · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100220a007· OSTI ID:6568843
The photodissociation of water to produce hydrogen has been accomplished with light in the solar range of the electromagnetic spectrum and in the absence of any external potential at 300 K. The catalyst for the reaction is a polycrystalline p/n diode assembly made out of Mg- and Si-doped iron oxide. In O.1 M Na/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ solution (pH 6) the device produces hydrogen catalytically with rates of 1-2 H/sub 2/ molecules per site per minute and its power conversion efficiency is about 0.05%. Iron oxide containing minerals could have played important roles in the photochemical evolution of the planet in the prechlorophyl era.
Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Berkeley
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
6568843
Journal Information:
J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 86:23; ISSN JPCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English