DESIGN AND OPERATION OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SOLAR-CELLS

The theoretical principals underlying the design and operation of electrochemical solar cells are reviewed. These devices are discussed in terms of a modified Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) model in which the interfacial layer in MIS solar cells is replaced by the electrolyte. Electrostatic aspects of electrochemical solar cells are analyzed with the help of energy band diagrams and compared with those for conventional solid state solar cells. The key factors for efficient conversion of optical to electrical energy utilizing electrochemical solar cells are also highlighted from the point of view of barrier formation, carrier transport, and equivalent circuits. © 1979.