Superlattice photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical cells

Patent · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:866102

Nozik, Arthur J ^[1]

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1. Boulder, CO

A superlattice or multiple-quantum-well semiconductor is used as a photoelectrode in a photoelectrochemical process for converting solar energy into useful fuels or chemicals. The quantum minibands of the superlattice or multiple-quantum-well semiconductor effectively capture hot-charge carriers at or near their discrete quantum energies and deliver them to drive a chemical reaction in an electrolyte. The hot-charge carries can be injected into the electrolyte at or near the various discrete multiple energy levels quantum minibands, or they can be equilibrated among themselves to a hot-carrier pool and then injected into the electrolyte at one average energy that is higher than the lowest quantum band gap in the semiconductor.

• Research Organization: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4634641
• OSTI ID: 866102
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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deliver
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drive
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