Skip to main content

Photolysis of Water as a Solar Energy Conversion Process: An Assessment

  • Chapter
Hydrogen Energy

Abstract

One of the less conventional solar energy conversion methods is the photocatalytic decomposition of H2O to generate H2 and O2 directly. This paper presents an assessment of photolysis of water by sunlight. Calculations are used to establish efficiency upper limits for this type of energy conversion method using three differeng photocatalysts: compound salts, compound semiconductors, and photosynthetic dyes. The efficiencies were estimated to be 3 percent, 28 percent, and 7 percent, respectively.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Heidt, L. J., “Photochemistry,” McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York (I960), pp. 137–138.

    Google Scholar 

  2. “A HydrogEnergy Carrier: Volume II, Systems Analysis,” NASA-ASEE Systems Design Institute, NASA GRANT NGT 44-005-114, University of Houston, Johnson Space Center, Rice University (1973), pp. 39–41, 46–47.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Heidt, L. J., and A. F. McMillan, “Conversion of Sunlight into Chemical Energy Available in Storage for Man’s Use,” Science, Vol. 117, January 23, 1953, pp. 75–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Fujishima, A., and K. Honda, “Electrochemical Photolysis of Water at a Semiconductor Electrode,” Nature, 238, July 7, 1972, pp. 37–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Krampitz, L. O., Dept. of Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, Personal Communication, July 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Daniels, G. E., Ed., “Terrestial Environment (Climactic) Criteria Guidelines for Use in Space Vehicle Development, 1971 Revision,” NASA Technical Memorandum TMX-6U589, May 1971, pp. 2. 6–2. 9.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Jagger, J., “Introduction to Research in Ultraviolet Photobiology,” Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1967, pp. 18–19.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Heidt, L. J., “Solar Energy Research,” F. Daniels and A. Duffie (Eds.), University Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin, 1955, pp. 203–220.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Heidt, L. J., M. G. Mullin, W. G. Martin, and Q. Beatty, Johnson, A.M., “Gross and Net Quantum Yields at 2537 A for Ferrous to Ferric in Aqueous Sulfuric Acid and the Accompanying Reduction of Water to Gaseous Hydrogen,” Journal of Phys. Chem., 66, pp. 336–347 1962.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. West, R. E., H. Mahoud, D. G. Burhard, H. Ito, and R. S. Kirk, “Investigation for the Purpose of Improving the Efficiency of Utilization of Solar Energy by the Decomposition of Water into Hydrogen and Oxygen,” Final Report, Contract AF 19(604)-8420, Project No. 6694, Task 66940, P.E.C. Corporation, Boulder, Colorado, May 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Fujishima, A., and K. Honda, Journal of Chemical Society of Japan, 74, 1971, pp. 355–358.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Ibid., 2, Section on Usage, pp. 91–92.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Cioni, J., Solar Cell Division, L. B. J. Space Center, NASA, Houston, Texas, Personal Communication, August 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Plumlee, R. H., “Perspectives in ULSL Energy Resource Development,” Sandia Laboratories Research Report SLA-730l635 Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 1973, pp. 112–114.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Ibid., 5.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Ibid., 5.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Ibid., 6.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Fogg, G. E., “Photosynthesis,” American Elsevier Publishing Company, Inc., New York, 1968, pp. 28–29.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1975 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Paleocrassas, S.N. (1975). Photolysis of Water as a Solar Energy Conversion Process: An Assessment. In: Veziroğlu, T.N. (eds) Hydrogen Energy. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2607-6_17

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2607-6_17

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-2609-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-2607-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics