초록 ▼

A photo-activated semiconductor device is adapted to be exposed to light energy. Two physically separated electrocatalysts are placed in electrical contact with the photo-activated semiconductor device. An electrolytic solution physically separated from the semiconductor device is placed in electric

A photo-activated semiconductor device is adapted to be exposed to light energy. Two physically separated electrocatalysts are placed in electrical contact with the photo-activated semiconductor device. An electrolytic solution physically separated from the semiconductor device is placed in electrical contact with both electrocatalysts. A method for supplying electrical energy to an anode and a cathode is an electrochemical reaction zone containing an electrolytic solution which comprises positioning a photo-activated semiconductor device having separate donor and acceptor regions external to an electrolytic solution. The donor region is electrically connected to a cathode and the acceptor region is electrically connected to the anode. A portion of the photo-activated semiconductor device is exposed to a source of radiation which is external to the reaction zone. The products derived from the electrolytic solution are collected for later use.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus comprising: (a) a container adapted to hold an electrolytic solution; (b) a photo-activated semiconductor device adapted to be exposed to light energy; (c) a layer of a first electrocatalyst in physical and ohmic electrical contact with said semiconductor device and adapted to be in phy

An apparatus comprising: (a) a container adapted to hold an electrolytic solution; (b) a photo-activated semiconductor device adapted to be exposed to light energy; (c) a layer of a first electrocatalyst in physical and ohmic electrical contact with said semiconductor device and adapted to be in physical contact with said electrolytic solution; and (d) a layer of a second electrocatalyst in physical and ohmic electrical contact with said semiconductor device, physically separate from said first electrocatalyst and adapted to be in physical contact with said electrolytic solution, said layers of first and second electrocatalysts providing external separation of said semiconductor device from said electrolytic solution.