Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Device for solar energy conversion by photo-electrolytic decomposition of water

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7362835
Electrodes for photoelectrolysis of water are composed of thin films of semiconductors which are electrically connected by at least one electrolyte solution. Solar energy causes the emission of minority carriers at the junctures of each electrode and the electrolyte. With a potential difference of more than 1.23 volts the electrolyte generates hydrogen and oxygen gases and, in addition, may produce sufficient electric current for a load connected across the electrodes. (WDM)
Assignee:
TIC; ERA-01-018910; EDB-76-057980
Patent Number(s):
US 3925212
OSTI ID:
7362835
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English