A photosynthesis apparatus includes a groove part formed in a semiconductor substrate; a first conductive type area formed on one side surface of the groove part; a second conductive type area formed on another side surface of the groove part; an oxidation electrode formed in contact with the first conductive type area on the one side surface; a reduction electrode formed in contact with the second conductive type area on the other side surface; and a proton diaphragm formed at a center part of the groove part. Water including carbon dioxide is supplied to the groove part, and light is radiated to the oxidation electrode or the reduction electrode to generate oxygen and a hydrogen ion from the water at the oxidation electrode, and the generated hydrogen ion penetrates the proton diaphragm and reacts with the carbon dioxide to generate formic acid at the reduction electrode.

A photosynthesis apparatus includes a groove part formed in a semiconductor substrate; a first conductive type area formed on one side surface of the groove part; a second conductive type area formed on another side surface of the groove part; an oxidation electrode formed in contact with the first conductive type area on the one side surface; a reduction electrode formed in contact with the second conductive type area on the other side surface; and a proton diaphragm formed at a center part of the groove part. Water including carbon dioxide is supplied to the groove part, and light is radiated to the oxidation electrode or the reduction electrode to generate oxygen and a hydrogen ion from the water at the oxidation electrode, and the generated hydrogen ion penetrates the proton diaphragm and reacts with the carbon dioxide to generate formic acid at the reduction electrode.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrolyte solution for a thermoelectric device, the solution comprising: a redox couple; water; and a polar organic solvent.

An electrochemical reactor includes an ion ON/OFF surface switch operating as an ionic conductor, which includes a pair of electrodes, an electrolyte aqueous solution present between the pair of electrodes, a water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane disposed such that at least one surface thereof is in contact with the electrolyte aqueous solution and including a plurality of pores communicating with each other and a pressing equipment configured to pressurize the electrolyte aqueous solution. As such, electrolysis, a secondary battery and a capacitor, which uses the water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane as an ion ON/OFF surface switch, can be provided.

An electrochemical reactor includes an ion ON/OFF surface switch operating as an ionic conductor, which includes a pair of electrodes, an electrolyte aqueous solution present between the pair of electrodes, a water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane disposed such that at least one surface thereof is in contact with the electrolyte aqueous solution and including a plurality of pores communicating with each other and a pressing equipment configured to pressurize the electrolyte aqueous solution. As such, electrolysis, a secondary battery and a capacitor, which uses the water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane as an ion ON/OFF surface switch, can be provided.

A hydrogel composition and its use as an electrolyte in energy storage devices is described. The hydrogel can include a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and an aqueous solution of lithium bromide (LiBr). The hydrogel electrolyte has high water retention ability, anti-freezing properties, is non-flammable, and has redox activity with a stable self-discharge rate.

A hydrogel composition and its use as an electrolyte in energy storage devices is described. The hydrogel can include a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and an aqueous solution of lithium bromide (LiBr). The hydrogel electrolyte has high water retention ability, anti-freezing properties, is non-flammable, and has redox activity with a stable self-discharge rate.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrolyte solution for a thermoelectric device, the solution comprising: a redox couple; water; and a polar organic solvent.

It may be desirable to sense the concentration of a gas in another gas. This measurement may be important to warn of impending danger. Gas sensors may be made in batches by a manual process, leading to large variations in sensor performance between batches and indeed between sensors in a batch. This means the sensors often need individual calibration before use. The present approach to sensor design can make use of integrated circuit manufacturing techniques to give rise to sensors with well-matched and reproducible characteristics.

It may be desirable to sense the concentration of a gas in another gas. This measurement may be important to warn of impending danger. Gas sensors may be made in batches by a manual process, leading to large variations in sensor performance between batches and indeed between sensors in a batch. This means the sensors often need individual calibration before use. The present approach to sensor design can make use of integrated circuit manufacturing techniques to give rise to sensors with well-matched and reproducible characteristics.