Reaction cell for photo-electrochemical generation of hydrogen, useful particularly in conjunction with fuel cells, has two electrodes, in facial contact, and light source for irradiating the electrodes

摘要

Reaction cell for photo-electrochemical production of hydrogen gas. Reaction cell for photo-electrochemical production of hydrogen gas comprises a housing filled with aqueous electrolyte (El); two connected electrodes (E1, E2), immersed in El, where E1 is made of a doped semiconductor and E2 is of metal or a semiconductor, doped oppositely with respect to E1; and a light source (L) for irradiating the electrodes. The new features are that (i) the faces of the two electrodes are in contact with each other; (ii) the electrode pair divides the cell into two compartments, connected to each other through ionic conduction; and (iii) the housing has at least one opening for release of gas. An independent claim is also included a device for converting light energy to electrical energy that includes the new cell.