An efficient photoelectrochemical cell functioning in the presence of organic wastes

This work presents a design and studies the function of a photo-fuel cell, which can photocatalytically consume organic substances to produce electricity. The design resembles hydrogen fuel cells but, in the present case, hydrogen ions are produced photocatalytically in the presence of nanocrystalline titania. Results are presented for ethanol and glycerol but many other substances can be used as well. The cell can function in natural solar light by exploiting the UV portion of the solar spectrum. The produced current was enhanced when titania was combined with cadmium sulphide, which absorbs visible light. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.