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Simple PV Cell Successfully Stores 5% of Solar Energy in Hydrogen

Posted on the 30 July 2013 by Dailyfusion @dailyfusion
When light hits the system, an electrical potential builds up. The metal oxide layer acts as a photo anode and is the site of oxygen formation. It is connected to the solar cell by way of a conducting bridge made of graphite (black). Since only the metal oxide layer is in contact with the electrolyte, the silicon solar cell remains safe from corrosion. A platinum spiral serves as the cathode where hydrogen is formed. (Credit: TU Delf)

Using a simple solar cell and a photo anode made of a metal oxide bismuth vanadate, scientists at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands have successfully stored nearly five percent of solar energy chemically in the form of hydrogen. This is a major feat as the design of the solar cell is much simpler than that of the high-efficiency triple-junction cells based on amorphous silicon or expensive III-V semiconductors that are traditionally used for this purpose. Read more »



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