Monolithic Solar Seawater Battery: Seawater-Mediated Solar-to-Sodium Conversion with 8.0 % Efficiency by Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode - Photovoltaic Tandem Cell
Conversion of sunlight to chemical energy based on photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes has been considered as a promising strategy for solar energy harvesting. Here, we propose a novel platform that converts solar energy into sodium (Na) as a solid-state solar fuel via the PEC oxidation of natural seawater, for which a Na ion-selective ceramic membrane is employed together with photoelectrode (PE)-photovoltaic (PV) tandem cell. Using an elaborately modified bismuth vanadate-based PE in tandem with crystalline silicon PV, we demonstrate unassisted solar-to-Na conversion with an unprecedentedly high efficiency of 8 % and long-term stability, suggesting a new benchmark for low-cost, efficient and scalable solid solar fuel production. The sodium turns easily into electricity on demand making the device a nature-friendly, monolithic solar seawater battery.
Kim, Jin Hyun and Hwang, Soo Min and Hwang, Inchan and Han, Jinhyup and Kim, Jeong Hun and Jo, Yim Hyun and Seo, Kwanyong and Kim, Youngsik and Lee, Jae Sung, Monolithic Solar Seawater Battery: Seawater-Mediated Solar-to-Sodium Conversion with 8.0 % Efficiency by Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode - Photovoltaic Tandem Cell (October 16, 2018). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3266869 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3266869
This version of the paper has not been formally peer reviewed.
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