Abstract
Solar redox flow batteries have attracted attention as a possible
integrated technology for simultaneous conversion and storage of solar
energy. In this work, we review current efforts to design aqueous solar
flow batteries in terms of battery electrolyte capacity, solar
conversion efficiency and depth of solar charge. From a materials cost
and design perspective, a simple, cost-efficient, aqueous solar redox
flow battery will most likely incorporate only one semiconductor, and we
demonstrate here a system where a single photocathode is accurately
matched to the redox couples to allow for a complete solar charge. The
single TiO2 protected Si photocathode with a
catalytic Pt layer can fully solar charge a neutral
TEMPO-sulfate/ferricyanide battery with a cell voltage of 0.35 V. An
unbiased solar conversion efficiency of 1.6% is obtained and this system
represents a new strategy in solar RFBs where a single silicon
photocathode is paired with energetically suitable redox couples to
build an integrated solar energy conversion and storage device with full
realization of the energy storage capacity.
Original language | English |
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Journal | R S C Advances |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 12 |
Pages (from-to) | 6331-6340 |
ISSN | 2046-2069 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |