PHOTOGALVANOELECTROLYTIC DEVICE FOR CONVERTING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ENERGY INTO CHEMICAL ENERGY IN THE FORM OF THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN BY WATER DE COMPOSITION,AND SLASH OR ELECTRICAL ENERGY

摘要

The device comprises a housing (1) provided with a transparent window (5) divided into two compartments (2 and 3) by a hydrogen ion exchange membrane (4). A type photo sensitive semi conductor electrode (6) is arranged in the compartment (2), while a counter electrode (7) is arranged into the other compartment (3). The compartment (2) is filled with a first acid aqueous electrolyte 2" containing a dissolved inorganic redox couple N (n+1) +/Nn+ selected so that the Nn+ element is photosensitive, while the compartment (3) is filled with a second aqueous electrolyte (3"). The irradiation of the compartment (2) by electromagnetic radiant energy generates gaseous hydrogen into the compartment (2) and gaseous oxygen into the compartment (3) when the electrodes (6 and 7) are short circuited, or in the contrary generate electrical energy when these electrodes are connected by an outer charge (the hydrogen been then recirculated). Application to solar energy is particular.