Light energy utilization method and light energy utilization apparatus

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently produce and collect a useful oxidation product by using a semiconductor photoelectrode.SOLUTION: A utilization device 10 of light energy generates an oxidized product from a material to be oxidized by applying light on a semiconductor photoelectrode. The utilization device 10 of light energy comprises an electrolytic tank 12, an anode electrode 14, a cathode electrode 16, an anode electrolyte 18, and a cathode electrolyte 20. The electrolytic tank 12 comprises an anode chamber 24 and a cathode chamber 26 which are separated by a diaphragm 22. The anode electrode 14 is installed in the anode chamber 24 and comprises an n-type electrode 30 on its surface. The cathode electrode 16 is installed in the cathode chamber 26 and is electrically connected with the anode electrode 14 via a direct-current power source. The anode electrolyte 18 contains one or more anions selected from carbonate ions, phosphate ions, borate ions, and perchlorate ions, and a material to be oxidized which is different from these anions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1