Solar energy and electrochemical energy storage

What is Photoelectrochemical Energy Storage (PES)?

Newly developed photoelectrochemical energy storage (PES) devices can effectively convert and store solar energy in one two-electrode battery, simplifying the configuration and decreasing the external energy loss.

Can solar energy be stored electrochemically?

Therefore, with this new strategy, it is possible to store solar energy electrochemically. The TiO 2 nanorod arrays are first hydrothermally grown on FTO glass, followed by coating of shell materials by chemical bath deposition or electrodeposition (see schematics in Fig. 1b).

Are solar-based devices suitable for (photo)electrochemical hydrogen generation and reversible storage?

In Section 3, several architectures of solar-based devices for (photo)electrochemical hydrogen generation and reversible storage were critically discussed from the perspective of the operating principles, (photo)electrochemical performance of integrated components, and the overall efficiency of hydrogen generation, storage, and release.

Can photochemical storage electrodes convert incident solar energy into thermal energy?

Following these principles, more efficient dual-functional photochemical storage electrodes can be developed for solar energy conversion and storage. Materials with photothermal effects convert incident solar energy into thermal energy upon exposure to light.

Can solar energy storage be based on PES materials?

Based on PES materials, the PES devices could realize direct solar-to-electrochemical energy storage, which is fundamentally different from photo (electro)catalytic cells (solar-to-chemical energy conversion) and photovoltaic cells (solar-to-electricity energy conversion).

How can a photoelectrochemical device improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy?

It is highly desirable to improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy. Here, we construct an integrated photoelectrochemical device with simultaneous supercapacitor and hydrogen evolution functions based on TiO2/transition metal hydroxides/oxides core/shell nanorod arrays.