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Title: Fuels production by photoelectrolysis of water and photooxidation of soluble biomass materials

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6479148

A process and apparatus for production of fuels by photoelectrolysis of water and photooxidation of water soluble biomass and a process for preparation of Schottky-type metalized, appropriately doped n-type semiconductor photochemical diodes suitable for use in the above process and apparatus. The production of hydrogen by photoelectrolysis of water as the cathodic reaction of an optically illuminated photochemical diode is effected in an aqueous electrolyte which comprises a biomass product which may be monosaccharides, polysaccharides, lignins, their partially oxidized products, and mixtures thereof which are oxidized as the anodic reaction of the photochemical diode producing liquid fuels and useful chemicals. Molecular oxygen evolution is avoided and utilization of biomass product provides a cost effective material to increase fuels and useful chemical production by photoelectrolysis of water at potentials substantially less than required for normal water electrolysis involving oxygen evolution.

Assignee:
Institute of Gas Technology
Patent Number(s):
US 4437954
OSTI ID:
6479148
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 19 Jun 1981; Other Information: PAT-APPL-275378
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English