Photoelectrolysis cells, and related devices and processes

摘要

A photoelectrolysis cell is described herein. The cell includes a photoelectrode based on a material having the general formula (Ln1-xMx)(Nb1-yTay)O1+xN2-x. Ln is at least one lanthanide element; M is at least one alkaline earth metal; 0<=x<=0.99; and 0<=y<=1. The photoelectrolysis cell further includes a counter-electrode formed from at least one metal or metallic alloy. An electrolyte which is in contact with both the photoelectrode and the counter-electrode is another component of the cell, along with a means for collecting hydrogen produced by the cell. A related process for producing hydrogen in a photoelectrolysis cell is also described.