Abstract:
The present invention provides a photoelectrode 100 includes a first conductor 101 as a substrate; a second conductor 103 which includes a plurality of pillar structures 102 disposed on the first conductor 101, and is transparent; and a photocatalyst layer 104 including a visible-light photocatalyst and disposed on the surfaces of the pillar structures 102. The photoelectrode according to the present invention is capable of effectively utilizing energy of light for an intended reaction such as a water decomposition reaction.
Abstract:
To provide a method for growing a niobium oxynitride having small carrier density, the present invention is a method for growing a niobium oxynitride layer, the method comprising: (a) growing a first niobium oxynitride film on a crystalline titanium oxide substrate, while a temperature of the crystalline titanium oxide substrate is maintained at not less than 600 Celsius degrees and not more than 750 Celsius degrees; and (b) growing a second nitride oxynitride film on the first niobium oxynitride film, while the temperature of the crystalline titanium oxide substrate is maintained at not less than 350 Celsius degrees, after the step (a), wherein the niobium oxynitride layer comprises the first niobium oxynitride film and the second niobium oxynitride film.
Abstract:
Provided is a semiconductor photoelectrode comprising a first conductive layer; a first n-type semiconductor layer disposed on the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer covering the first n-type semiconductor layer. The first n-type semiconductor layer has a first n-type surface region and a second n-type surface region. The first n-type surface region is in contact with the first conductive layer. The second n-type surface region is in contact with the second conductive layer. The first n-type semiconductor layer is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitride semiconductor and an oxynitride semiconductor. The second conductive layer is light-transmissive. The second conductive layer is formed of a p-type oxide conductor.
Abstract:
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell that includes an anode and a cathode and generates electricity by reducing a mediator at the cathode, a regenerator that oxidizes the mediator, a fuel gas feed path through which fuel gas to be supplied to the anode flows, a humidifier that is disposed in the fuel gas feed path and humidifies the fuel gas, and a water collection path that extends from the regenerator to the humidifier and guides to the humidifier at least one selected from steam produced at the regenerator and condensation formed from the steam.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a photoelectrode capable of effectively utilizing energy of light for an intended reaction such as a water decomposition reaction. The present invention provides a photoelectrode 100 includes a first conductor 101 as a substrate; a second conductor 102 which is disposed on first conductor 101, has a porous structure including a three-dimensionally continuous skeleton 102a and pores 102b formed by the skeleton 102a, and is transparent; and a visible-light photocatalyst 103 disposed in the pores of the second conductor 102.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for fabricating a single-crystalline niobium oxynitride film suitable for a hydrogen generation device. The present invention provides a method for fabricating a single-crystalline niobium oxynitride film formed of a niobium oxynitride represented by the chemical formula NbON; the method comprising: (a) epitaxially growing the single-crystalline niobium oxynitride film on one substrate selected from the group consisting of a yttria-stabilized zirconia substrate, a titanium oxide substrate, and a yttrium-aluminum complex oxide substrate.
Abstract:
Provided is a method for generating hydrogen. The method comprising (a) preparing a hydrogen generation device comprising a container, a photo-semiconductor electrode comprising a substrate, a light-blocking first conductive layer, and a first semiconductor photocatalyst layer, a counter electrode, a conductive wire for electrically connecting the first conductive layer to the counter electrode, and a liquid stored in the container, and (b) irradiating the first semiconductor photocatalyst layer with light to generate hydrogen on the counter electrode. The first conductive layer is interposed between the substrate and the first semiconductor photocatalyst layer. At least a part of the first semiconductor photocatalyst layer is in contact with the liquid. At least a part of the counter electrode is in contact with the liquid. The liquid is selected from the group consisting of an electrolyte aqueous solution and water. The substrate is formed of a resin.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for generating hydrogen by water splitting at a higher hydrogen generation efficiency. In the present method, used is a photoelectrochemical cell comprising a container, a liquid stored in the container, a semiconductor electrode contained in the container, and a counter electrode contained in the container. The semiconductor electrode comprises a first semiconductor layer, a light-transmissive conductor layer; and a second semiconductor layer.