Water-Splitting Electrode Contact Layer for Conductive Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrodes for water-splitting reactions using visible light photocatalysts face challenges in achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency due to increased internal resistance and light absorption or reflection by conductive materials, which hinder the formation of conductive paths between photocatalyst particles and the current collecting layer.

Innovation Solution

A contact layer containing semiconductor or good conductors is introduced between the photocatalyst layer and the current collecting layer, with the photocatalyst layer consisting essentially of photocatalyst particles, and the contact layer is formed along the surface shape of the current collecting layer side to enhance conductive paths without inhibiting light absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact layer containing semiconductor or good conductor is introduced between the photocatalyst layer and the current collecting layer, then the conductive path is increased and photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotoelectric conversion efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A contact layer containing semiconductor or good conductor particles is introduced as an intermediary between the photocatalyst layer and the current collecting layer. This contact layer serves as a mediator to improve electron conduction and increase the conductive path without requiring direct contact between the photocatalyst particles and the current collecting layer, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving photoelectric conversion efficiency and maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conductive materials are used to improve electron conductivity between photocatalyst particles and support, then conductivity is improved, but light absorption or reflection by conductive materials occurs which reduces photoelectric conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron conductivityVSAvoidlight absorption or reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The contact layer containing semiconductor or good conductor particles is positioned locally between the photocatalyst layer and the current collecting layer, specifically where electron conduction is needed. This localized placement ensures that conductive materials are present only where required for electron transport, minimizing their interaction with incident light and reducing light absorption or reflection losses while still improving electron conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If photocatalyst is deposited on conductive metal support by dry process, then the production process is simplified, but visible light photocatalyst requiring high-temperature nitridation or sulfidation reactions cannot be applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability to different photocatalysts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure is segmented into distinct layers: a photocatalyst layer consisting essentially of photocatalyst particles, a contact layer containing semiconductor or good conductor particles, and a current collecting layer. This segmentation allows the photocatalyst layer to be formed independently by various methods including wet processes that can accommodate high-temperature nitridation or sulfidation reactions, while the current collecting layer provides the necessary electrical conductivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and photocatalyst versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration increases the conductive path between the photocatalyst layer and the current collecting layer, improving photoelectric conversion efficiency and allowing for the production of high-efficiency electrodes using photocatalysts that are difficult to form in thin film form, such as those requiring high-temperature nitridation or sulfidation reactions.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode for water-splitting reaction comprising a photocatalyst layer, a current collecting layer, and a contact layer that contains semiconductor or good conductor and is provided between the photocatalyst layer and the current collecting layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 2

a contact layer that contains semiconductor or good conductor and is provided between the photocatalyst layer and the current collecting layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10406516B2Electrode for water-splitting reaction and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 THE UNIV OF TOKYO

AI summary

The present invention provides an electrode for water-splitting reaction that is capable of increasing conductive path between a photocatalyst layer and a current collecting layer without inhibiting light absorption by photocatalyst, which comprises: a photocatalyst layer 10; a current collecting layer 30; and a contact layer 20 that contains semiconductor or good conductor and is provided between the photocatalyst layer 10 and the current collecting layer 30, wherein the contact layer 20 is provided along the surface shape of the photocatalyst layer 10 at the current collecting layer 30 side of the photocatalyst layer 10.