The role of solar cell photoelectrodes

How does a photoelectrode balance a space charge?

To balance the space charge, electrons or holes migrate to the surface. Electrons from the conduction band jump to the oxidized species in the electrolyte, and holes from the valence band jump to the reduced species. A photoelectrode also reduces the decomposition voltage of the electrolysis.

How can photoelectrodes be optimized for solar water splitting?

By adjusting the level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the light-absorbing materials, these photoelectrodes can be optimized easily for solar water splitting [ 34, 35 ].

How does a photoelectrochemical cell reduce decomposition voltage?

Electrons from the conduction band jump to the oxidized species in the electrolyte, and holes from the valence band jump to the reduced species. A photoelectrode also reduces the decomposition voltage of the electrolysis. Fig. 4. (a) Photoelectrochemical cell: redox system at an exposed semiconductor electrode.

Are organic semiconductor-based photoelectrodes suitable for solar water splitting and solar-to-chemical conversion?

The present review summarizes recent advances in organic semiconductor-based photoelectrodes for solar water splitting and solar-to-chemical conversion applications. This research field is rapidly expanding with the development of various strategies for configuring high-performance organic photoelectrodes.

Why do solar cells use nanostructured support?

The use of nanostructured support has provided the required area for sufficient light absorption (i.e., the photoelectrode turns black or deep red upon adsorption of the dye), even if only a monolayer of dye covers the nanostructures of titanium dioxide. Examples of dye-sensitized solar cells:

Can photoelectrodes produce solar fuels at the industrial scale?

CO2 redn. reaction flow cells are promising devices to meet the requirements to produce solar fuels at the industrial scale. Photoelectrodes with wide bandgaps do not allow for efficient CO2 redn. at high current densities, while the integration of opaque photoelectrodes with narrow bandgaps in flow cell configurations still remains a challenge.