Multi-junction artificial photosynthetic cell with enhanced photovoltages
First Claim
1. A multi junction artificial photosynthesis unit comprising:
- a protective structure comprising a plurality of cavities;
a plurality of active elements, each active element formed in a corresponding cavity of the protective structure and extending between a first end and a second end, each active element comprising;
a plurality of semiconductor layers arranged such that each successive semiconductor layer stacked within the active element is configured to generate a current density substantially equal to the current density of an adjacent semiconductor layer when the active element is exposed to solar radiation; and
one or more metal layers disposed between each of the plurality of stacked semiconductor layers, each of the metal layers thereby forming a Schottky barrier junction or an ohmic junction with a surface of an adjacent semiconductor layer; and
a first electrocatalyst cap disposed at the first end of each active element and a second electrocatalyst cap disposed at the second end of each active element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-junction artificial photosynthetic unit includes an active element with a plurality of semiconducting layers, with metal layers deposited between the semiconductor layers appropriately forming Schottky barrier junctions or ohmic junctions with a surface of an adjacent semiconductor layer. The active element is formed within a protective structure formed of porous aluminum oxide. Successive layers of the active element can be formed within the protective structure, and additional layers and junctions can be added until desired photovoltages are achieved. A photoreactor for the production of fuels and chemicals driven by solar-powered redox reactions includes a bag reactor filled with a feedstock solution. A plurality of multi-junction photosynthetic units are placed in the feedstock solution to drive the redox reactions and produce the desired fuels and chemicals.
96 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A multi junction artificial photosynthesis unit comprising:
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a protective structure comprising a plurality of cavities; a plurality of active elements, each active element formed in a corresponding cavity of the protective structure and extending between a first end and a second end, each active element comprising; a plurality of semiconductor layers arranged such that each successive semiconductor layer stacked within the active element is configured to generate a current density substantially equal to the current density of an adjacent semiconductor layer when the active element is exposed to solar radiation; and one or more metal layers disposed between each of the plurality of stacked semiconductor layers, each of the metal layers thereby forming a Schottky barrier junction or an ohmic junction with a surface of an adjacent semiconductor layer; and a first electrocatalyst cap disposed at the first end of each active element and a second electrocatalyst cap disposed at the second end of each active element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18)
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17. A multi junction artificial photosynthesis unit comprising:
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a protective structure formed as a porous aluminum oxide and including a conducting substrate joined to one face of the protective structure; and a plurality of active elements each formed within a corresponding pore of the protective structure, each active element comprising; a first semiconductor layer formed of a first semiconductor material and having a first thickness and a first energy bandgap; one or more successive semiconductor layers disposed deeper within the active element relative to the first semiconductor layer, the one or more successive semiconductor layers being either (i) formed of the first semiconductor material and having a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, or (ii) formed of a second semiconductor material and having an energy bandgap less than the first energy bandgap; one or more metal layers disposed between each of the plurality of semiconductor layers, each of the metal layers thereby forming a Schottky barrier junction or an ohmic junction with a surface of an adjacent semiconductor layer; and a first electrocatalyst cap disposed at the first end of each active element and a second electrocatalyst cap disposed at the second end of each active element.
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Specification