University of California

Gideon Segev

Shane Ardo

Avner Rothschild

Hen Dotan

David M Larson

Ian D Sharp

Joel Ager

Francesca Toma

Rylan Kautz

Described herein is an ion pump system implementing an electronic ratchet mechanism produced by modulating a spatially varying electric potential distribution that can result in a net ionic current and voltage. The ion pumping membrane system includes an ion-permeable layer integrated with ion-selective membranes. The electric potential distribution within the ion-permeable layer is modulated through external stimuli. When immersed in solution, ions within the ion-permeable layer experience a time varying, spatially asymmetric electric field distribution resulting in ratchet-driven direction pumping, which can be used in applications such as desalination.

Ratchet-based ion pumping membrane systems

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to a hybrid photo-electrochemical and photo-voltaic cell. In one aspect, device includes a substrate comprising a semiconductor, a transparent conductor disposed on the second surface of the substrate, a photoanode disposed on the transparent conductor, an electrolyte in electrical communication with the photoanode, and an electrode in contact with the electrolyte. The substrate is doped with a first n-type dopant. A first area of a first surface of the substrate is heavily doped with a first p-type dopant. A second area of the first surface of the substrate is heavily doped with a second n-type dopant. The second surface of the substrate is heavily doped with a second p-type dopant. The electrode is in electrical contact with the second area. The first area is in electrical contact with the second area through an electrical load.

Hybrid photo-electrochemical and photo-voltaic cells

Growing community of inventors

Berkeley, CA, United States of America

Gideon Segev