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Electrochemical aspects of solar energy conversion

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Abstract

Current research and development work in solar energy utilization is very briefly reviewed. Attention is drawn to the possible use of photoelectrochemical effects to convert solar energy directly to electric power or synthetic fuel. Photoelectrochemical cells that have been proposed for this purpose are classified into three types, and a detailed description of their mode of action is given. The solar spectrum at the earth's surface and terrestrial receipts of solar energy are discussed. The factors that limit the power conversion efficiency of photoelectrochemical cells are described, and a brief reference is made to the thermodynamics of photoelectric transducers. Some work that, although not directly related to solar energy conversion, is of possible relevance, is summarized: the topics covered are the photosensitization of processes at semiconductor electrodes, pigment films on metal electrodes, and the primary processes of energy and charge transfer in natural and artificial photosynthetic membranes.

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  1. The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, W1X 4BS, London, UK

    M. D. Archer

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Archer, M.D. Electrochemical aspects of solar energy conversion. J Appl Electrochem 5, 17–38 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00625956

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