Semiconductor Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells

Spray Pyrolysis Deposition and Photoelectrochemical Properties of n-Type BiOI Nanoplatelet Thin Films

“…Deviation from linear photocurrent vs intensity behavior could be caused by several factors such as the direct recombination of conduction band electrons with valence band holes in the space charge region (Langevin recombination) or by surface defects. 27,28 As an example of the latter case, Parkinson et al observed a pronounced sublinear dependence for single crystals of the layered compounds n-WS 2 and n-MoS 2 containing many surface steps. Crystals with well-cleaved surfaces, on the other hand, showed linear photocurrent vs intensity response even at high intensities, suggesting that surface states can play a significant role.…”

Optical Properties and Electronic Structure of Spinel ZnRh2O4

“…The 1970s discovery that electrochemical cells with TiO 2 anodes and metal cathodes can decompose water into H 2 and O 2 when exposed to light prompted considerable interest but has yet to lead to a practical solar energy technology. , The reason is that the band gap of TiO 2 ( E g ∼ 3.2 eV) is too high to efficiently use the solar spectrum, and materials that are significantly better have not been identified. Specific requirements are a band gap that can effectively use the solar spectrum (i.e., ∼2 eV), chemical stability in a corrosive aqueous environment, and flat band potentials (band edges) that span the water splitting redox potentials.…”

Flat Band Variation of n-Cadmium Chalcogenides in Aqueous Cyanide

“…5,6 A significant application of illuminated solid (photovoltaic) and a potential application of liquid (PEC) semiconductor junction devices are for the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. 7 Variations in the potential arising at semiconductor junctions have been analyzed and investigated from both a solid state and a photoelectrochemical perspective. Constraints to the junction photovoltage have been suggested in several models.…”

“…The maximum photovoltages generated at a semiconductor/metal contact are related to the work function of the metal and the position of the Fermi level when the semiconductor band bending approaches zero. This photoelectrochemical effect has been used for surface preparation of semiconductor materials, to probe photoassisted chemical reactions, investigate quantum size effects, and environmental detoxification. , A significant application of illuminated solid (photovoltaic) and a potential application of liquid (PEC) semiconductor junction devices are for the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy …”