ELECTROLYTE MODIFIED PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL SOLAR-CELLS

Rationale electrolyte modification of photoelectrochemical systems can be used to (i) enhance facile charge transfer, (ii) suppress competing reactions and suppress both (iii) electrode and (iv) electrolyte decomposition products, as well as (v) substantially effect the open-circuit photovoltage. Studies on polysulfide, ferrocyanide, polyselenide and polyiodide electrolyte modification of photoelectrochemical solar cells are discussed. Electrolyte modification of semiconductor/electrolyte systems entails investigation of the primary photo-redox species, the nature of the counter ion, the distribution of species in solution, and related competing reactions. The examples presented emphasize the fundamental and practical importance of probing the active electrolytic constituents pertinent to overall photoelectrochemical energy conversion.