Abstract
The general principle, functions, and problems of Semiconductor photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells related to solar energy conversion have been described. Recent progress in this field has been outlined with regard to the following subjects : (1) the mechanism and control of semiconductor corrosion (decomposition) reactions, (2) the improvement of the efficiency and stability of semiconductor PEC cells by utilizing adsorption of reducing or oxidizing agents in solution, (3) the molecular mechanism of the photooxidation reaction of water at an n-TiO2 electrode, (4) a novel approach to highly efficient PEC cells by use of semiconductor electrodes coated with discontinuous metal layers.
