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Electrochemical, solid state, photochemical and technological aspects of photoelectrochemical energy converters

Nature volume 263, pages 97–100 (1976)Cite this article

Abstract

Different aspects of photoelectrochemical energy conversion are discussed. It is shown, by conservative estimates of the energy losses in such a system, that the available photopotential is smaller than the optical bandgap of the semiconductor by at least 1 eV. It is shown that water decomposition using only one photosensitive electrode is energetically unfavourable and that, even when two photosensitive electrodes, are used, the production of electrical current is to be preferred over that of hydrogen.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

    Joost Manassen, David Cahen & Gary Hodes

  2. Chemistry Department Nuclear Research Center, Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel

    Avraham Sofer

Authors
  1. Joost Manassen
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  2. David Cahen
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  3. Gary Hodes
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  4. Avraham Sofer
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Manassen, J., Cahen, D., Hodes, G. et al. Electrochemical, solid state, photochemical and technological aspects of photoelectrochemical energy converters. Nature 263, 97–100 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/263097a0

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