A method of preparing bismuth vanadate particles is described. The bismuth vanadate particles prepared via ultrasonication and hydrothermal treatment exhibit controlled morphology (e.g., octahedral shape) and crystallinity (e.g., tetragonal crystal symmetry). A photoelectrode containing bismuth vanadate particles and a method of using the photoelectrode in a photoelectrochemical cell for water splitting is also provided.

The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide capture device comprising a first reactor and a second reactor both of which show a (photo)anode containing or connected to oxygen evolution and/or carbon dioxide evolution catalyst(s) and a (photo)cathode containing or connected to an oxygen reduction catalyst, wherein the first reactor comprises an anion exchange membrane placed between the porous (photo)anode and porous (photo)cathode, and the second reactor comprises a proton exchange membrane placed between the porous (photo)anode and porous (photo)cathode. On the porous (photo)cathode side of the first reactor there is a fluid inlet able to carry carbon dioxide, air and water, and on the side of the porous (photo)cathode of the second reactor there is a fluid outlet able to carry carbon dioxide and water.

The present disclosure provides for a composition that includes a modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite, method of making the modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite, an electrode having modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite surface and a photoelectrochemical cell including the electrode, and methods of photoelectrochemical oxidation of water. The modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite can be used in an electrode configuration, for example, in a photoelectrochemical cell for the photoelectrochemical oxidation of water. The present disclosure provides for a modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite that has a catechol compound(s) (e.g., oligo-catechol) adsorbed onto at least the M (metal) on the surface of the modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite.

The present disclosure provides for a composition that includes a modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite, method of making the modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite, an electrode having modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite surface and a photoelectrochemical cell including the electrode, and methods of photoelectrochemical oxidation of water. The modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite can be used in an electrode configuration, for example, in a photoelectrochemical cell for the photoelectrochemical oxidation of water. The present disclosure provides for a modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite that has a catechol compound(s) (e.g., oligo-catechol) adsorbed onto at least the M (metal) on the surface of the modified M/TiO.sub.2 composite.

A gas phase reduction apparatus of carbon dioxide includes an oxidation chamber that includes an oxidation electrode; a reduction chamber that is adjacent to the oxidation chamber and receives supplied carbon dioxide; and a porous electrode-supporting electrolyte membrane that is placed between the oxidation chamber and the reduction chamber. The porous electrode-supporting electrolyte membrane is a joined body including a porous reduction electrode joined to an electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is placed on the oxidation chamber side. The porous reduction electrode is placed on the reduction chamber side and configured to reduce the carbon dioxide by electrons from the oxidation electrode connected via a conductor.

A photoexcitable material includes: a solid solution of MN (where M is at least one of gallium, aluminum and indium) and ZnO, wherein the photoexcitable material includes 30 to 70 mol % ZnO and has a band gap energy of 2.20 eV or less.

A photoexcitable material includes: a solid solution of MN (where M is at least one of gallium, aluminum and indium) and ZnO, wherein the photoexcitable material includes 30 to 70 mol % ZnO and has a band gap energy of 2.20 eV or less.

A photoelectrochemical cell includes a cathode with a front and back cathode surface, an anode with front and back anode surfaces, a conductive connector between the cathode and the anode, and an optical waveguide configured to direct sunlight to the back surfaces of the cathode and anode. The cathode is adapted for photoelectric generation of electrons at the back cathode surface and electrolytic generation of hydrogen at the front cathode surface. Similarly, the anode is adapted for photoelectric generation of electrons at the back anode surface and electrolytic generation of oxygen at the front anode surface. The photoelectrochemical cell may also include a waveguide optical concentrator coupled to the waveguide.

A photoelectrochemical cell includes a cathode with a front and back cathode surface, an anode with front and back anode surfaces, a conductive connector between the cathode and the anode, and an optical waveguide configured to direct sunlight to the back surfaces of the cathode and anode. The cathode is adapted for photoelectric generation of electrons at the back cathode surface and electrolytic generation of hydrogen at the front cathode surface. Similarly, the anode is adapted for photoelectric generation of electrons at the back anode surface and electrolytic generation of oxygen at the front anode surface. The photoelectrochemical cell may also include a waveguide optical concentrator coupled to the waveguide.

Embodiments provide novel devices, nanowires, apparatuses, artificial leaves, photoelectrodes and membranes for photochemical energy production and methods of fabricating the same. The devices, apparatuses, artificial leaves, photoelectrodes, and membranes are planar and are embedded with nanowires, including InGaN nanowires. The unique devices, artificial leaves, apparatuses photoelectrodes, and nanowire-embedded membranes provide a high degree of flexibility and incorporate a large amount of indium, making them valuable for use for hydrogen production from sunlight and water. Embodiments also provide flexible substrates combining water oxidation and hydrogen reduction in a seamless manner to enhance the overall efficiency of water splitting.