Solar energy conversion using dye-sensitised liquid vertical bar liquid interfaces

A novel approach to solar energy conversion is presented on the basis of ph otoinduced heterogeneous electron transfer at polarised interfaces between two immiscible electrolyte solutions. Preliminary studies at the water\ 1,2 -dichloroethane interface sensitised by water-soluble zinc porphyrin hetero dimers exhibited conversion efficiencies around 0.1%, corresponding to a ph otocurrent to absorbed photon flux ratio close to unity. The conversion eff iciency is increased in the presence of redox couples acting as supersensit iser in the aqueous phase. The characteristic power relationship for these interfaces is also presented, surd the possibility of solar cells where no solid electrodes are directly involved in the photogeneration and transport of charge carriers is envisaged. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.