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    A photoelectrochemical-thermoelectric device for semi-artificial CO2 fixation employing full solar spectrum utilization

    Year: 2024

    Authors: Cobb, Samuel J.; Pornrungroj, Chanon; Andrei, Virgil; Badiani, Vivek M.; Su, Lin; Manuel, Rita R.; Pereira, Inês A. C.; Reisner, Erwin

    Keywords: BiVO4; continuum modelling; DTI-2: Explore; enzyme electrochemistry; heat management CO2 reduction; photoelectrocatalysis; photoelectrochemistry; solar fuels; solar thermal conversion; thermoelectric generator

    The utilization of the full solar spectrum, from ultraviolet to infrared, is crucial for efficient solar fuel and chemical production. Low-energy photons are often lost as waste heat in conventional photoelectrochemical cells, reducing performance and stability. We demonstrate a proof-of-concept device that synergistically uses high-energy photons via photoexcitation of a semiconductor photoanode and low-energy photons via waste heat utilization with a thermoelectric generator to drive solar CO2 fixation. Enzymatic catalysis complements the process, producing formate with high selectivity and rate, enhanced by heat from concentrated solar irradiation. This concept drives the artificial photosynthetic reaction of CO2 reduction coupled with water oxidation to O2, employing a thermoelectric generator to fully utilize the solar spectrum.
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