Semiconductor-electrolyte interface devices for solar energy conversion

Abstract

A new application of the well known semiconductor‐electrolyte interface is reported in this letter. The space‐charge layer necessary for photovoltaic processes is simply created in the semiconductor‐electrolyte interface by the charge transfer process. Application of this interface for solar energy conversion is quite interesting. These cells avoid the costly and elaborate p‐n junction fabrication and allow the use of polycrystalline and amorphous semiconductors for photovoltaic conversion.