| 摘要 |
A device is disclosed that generates hydrogen from ambient air humidity under sunlight without any water oxidation co-catalyst (e.g. IrRuOx). The device comprises at least one semiconductor photoanode which performs the water oxidation without back reaction or deteriorated photoefficiency. The apparatus combines a photoelectrochemical process with a fuel cell for the generation of electricity. The photoelectrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen uses a semiconductor photoanode and a cathode, both comprising a macroscopic conductor, which is at least partially coated with a nanoscopic conductor. In particular embodiments this device uses an illumination controller, such a controller can be 1) an illumination intensity controller, 2) a filter for visible and infrared light to reduce dehydration or heating up and/or 3) a switch for intermittent periods of illumination of the semiconductor photoanode. In yet another embodiment the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprises incorporating hygroscopic silica. The preferred semiconductor material for the photoanode is TiO2 and the preferred nanoscopic conducting material is carbon nanotubes (CNT). Furthermore, plasmonic nanoparticles like silver-gold alloy nanoparticles are deposited on the layer of semiconductor at the photoanode. |
