Photovoltaic Chemical Energy Storage Plant

What is Photoelectrochemical Energy Storage (PES)?

Newly developed photoelectrochemical energy storage (PES) devices can effectively convert and store solar energy in one two-electrode battery, simplifying the configuration and decreasing the external energy loss.

Can algae be used as a photovoltaic power station?

The redirected flux of photoelectrons can directly be utilized as electrical current or further stored into chemical fuels such as hydrogen, rendering the engineered algae as single cellular photovoltaic power stations.

Should solar energy be combined with storage technologies?

Sometimes two is better than one. Coupling solar energy and storage technologies is one such case. The reason: Solar energy is not always produced at the time energy is needed most. Peak power usage often occurs on summer afternoons and evenings, when solar energy generation is falling.

Is solar energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels?

The efficient conversion of solar energy to fuel and chemical commodities offers an alternative to the unsustainable use of fossil fuels, where photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen has been identified as a promising route 1, 2.

Can solar energy storage be based on PES materials?

Based on PES materials, the PES devices could realize direct solar-to-electrochemical energy storage, which is fundamentally different from photo (electro)catalytic cells (solar-to-chemical energy conversion) and photovoltaic cells (solar-to-electricity energy conversion).

Can solar energy be converted into in-demand chemicals?

Our study has established a highly efficient open system that converts solar energy into in-demand chemicals, while elucidating the regulatory mechanisms on accelerated photophysical process through photochemical process.