Vapor phase photo-electrochemical cell
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsDavid M. Larson, Karl A. Walczak
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Abstract
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to a vapor phase photo-electrochemical cell. In one aspect, a device includes a photovoltaic cell, a cathode disposed on the photovoltaic cell, an ionomer membrane disposed on the cathode, and an anode disposed on the ionomer membrane. The cathode includes a cathode catalyst. The ionomer membrane is in contact with the cathode catalyst. The anode includes an anode catalyst. The anode catalyst is in contact with the ionomer membrane. The anode, the ionomer membrane, and the cathode are transmissive to the solar radiation spectrum.
Claims16
A device comprising:
- a photovoltaic cell;
- a cathode disposed on the photovoltaic cell, the cathode including a cathode catalyst;
- an ionomer membrane disposed on the cathode, the ionomer membrane in contact with the cathode catalyst;
- and
- an anode disposed on the ionomer membrane, the anode comprising a first sheet of metal defining a plurality of open channels to define a plurality of conductive wires and including an anode catalyst, the anode catalyst in contact with the ionomer membrane, the anode, the ionomer membrane, and the cathode being transmissive to a solar radiation spectrum to allow the solar radiation spectrum to irradiate the photovoltaic cell, and when the device is in operation, the solar radiation spectrum passing through the anode, the ionomer membrane, and the cathode before irradiating the photovoltaic cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.