One approach to solar energy conversion and storage is the dye sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell (DSPEC). It integrates the properties of high bandgap, nanoparticle oxide semiconductors with molecular light absorption in molecular assemblies on the surfaces of nanoparticle oxides. The goals are photoelectrochemical water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen and reduction of CO2 by water to give oxygen and carbon-based fuels. In these cells, solar-driven water oxidation occurs at a photoanode and water or CO2 reduction at a cathode or photocathode. Significant progress has been made at both electrodes. At the photoanode, manipulation of semiconductor properties by introduction of core/shell structures, blocking layers, and the use of atomic layer deposition for surface stabilization of surface-bound assemblies have resulted in greatly enhanced efficiencies for water splitting. Recent advances at the photocathode have led to a new multilayer approach for water splitting to H2 and a new procedure for stabilizing oxide surfaces.

Dye sensitized photoelectrosythesis cell: The energy frontier research center for solar fuels and Thomas J. Meyer

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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