Advances and Challenges in Photoelectrochemical Redox Batteries for Solar Energy Conversion and Storage (Adv. Energy Mater. 24/2022)

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical Redox Batteries In article number 2200469, Qiang Li, Rong Chen, Liang An and co‐workers present a comprehensive review of research and development progress in photoelectrochemical redox batteries from materials to devices. The fundamental understanding of the energy level matching, transport mechanisms, and performance indicators is explored. Perspectives to guide future development and design of both materials and systems of photoelectrochemical redox batteries to realize commercialization are also highlighted.

Integrated Photovoltaic Charging and Energy Storage Systems: Mechanism, Optimization, and Future

“…In addition to the above‐mentioned high matching of photoelectrode materials, another core issue is that photoelectrodes must possess good PEC properties, including high light absorption, fast charge separation/transfer, and energy level matching, in order to realize high‐efficiency photovoltaic cells ( Figure a). [ 60,82 ] High light absorption in the visible light region is a process that utilizes light energy to generate more photocarriers and promotes redox reactions in photocells; [ 13 ] fast charge separation/transfer can generate efficient holes and electrons, reducing The recombination of holes and electrons improves the stability of electrode cycling and accelerates the reaction; [ 83 ] suitable energy level matching can increase the photocurrent, reduce the electron transfer resistance and expand the energy density. [ 84 ] Therefore, in order to accelerate the industrial application of high‐efficiency photovoltaic cells, we will analyze and summarize the above three optimization mechanisms in detail.…”

“…In the photoelectrochemical system, in order to achieve the high performance of the photoelectrode, a large specific surface area is necessary, because it will provide sufficient locations for the photogenerated charge separation in the solar storage device and the load of the dye in SPRBs. [ 60,86 ] Therefore, nanostructured photoelectrodes are usually used. In SPRBs, most photogenerated carriers disappear due to recombination when illuminated.…”

“…In DSSC, the dye absorbs light to form excitons, which then generate charges at the semiconductor‐dye interface, with the semiconductor and electrolyte acting as charge transport materials. [ 58,60,61 ] Therefore, the overall efficiency of DSSC depends on the optimization and compatibility of each of its components. [ 62,63 ] In order to improve the overall efficiency of DSSC, it can be carried out from the aspects of modifying the dye ligands and optimizing the integrated device of the dye/electrode overall.…”

“…The rational design of the photovoltaic cell structure is beneficial to avoid problems such as mismatch between energy levels, carrier transport, reaction kinetics, and effective light absorption, and low efficiency. [ 60,141,142 ] In addition, a reasonable structural system can expand its applicable conditions, increase the universal scope of SPRBs, and provide favorable support for the next generation of efficient and functional SPRBs systems. Therefore, in this chapter, we give detailed analytical summaries from liquid and solid bases, which are summarized in tables at the end of this paper ( Table 1 ).…”

High‐Entropy‐Alloy‐Nanoparticles Enabled Wood Evaporator for Efficient Photothermal Conversion and Sustainable Solar Desalination

“…Photothermal conversion materials have attracted considerable interest in solar steam generation because of the requirements of seawater desalination and wastewater purification. [ 1–7 ] Their conversion efficiencies are related to the optical absorption performances over the entire solar spectrum (250–2500 nm), [ 8–10 ] in which various innovative mechanisms have been reported. For example, plasmonic heating behaviors of metallic nanoparticles (Ag, [ 11 ] Au, [ 12 ] Al, [ 13 ] etc.…”