Photoelectrochemical CO2 Conversion to Hydrocarbons Using an AlGaN/GaN-Si Tandem Photoelectrode. (15th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deguchi, Masahiro; Yotsuhashi, Satoshi; Yamada, Yuka; Ohkawa, Kazuhiro
• Other Names: Kono Junichiro Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in condensed matter physics. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-02-15
• Subjects: Condensed matter -- Periodicals; Condensed matter; Periodicals; 530.41
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/537860
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8124

Abstract

Abstract : We report on a qualitatively improved photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction system which makes it possible to convert CO2 into hydrocarbons. The key is the tandem photoelectrode, which consists of AlGaN/GaN and Si device with p-n junction. The Si device is located on the back of AlGaN/GaN structure and acts as activation layer that raises cathode potential. Use of a Cu cathode results in change of the main reaction products from CO and HCOOH to hydrocarbons such as CH4 and C2 H4 . The energy conversion efficiency to hydrocarbons from CO2 is estimated to be 0.046% under irradiation with concentrated solar light.