Hydrogen generation utilizing semiconducting platelets suspended in a

Abstract

Hydrogen is produced from an electrolyte solution by suspending semiconducting platelets in a vertically flowing solution of the electrolyte contained in a radiant energy transparent, vertically disposed divergent fluid conduit. By utilizing a divergent fluid conduit to suspend the platelets in the vertically flowing electrolyte the platelets are maintained in a substantially stable equilibrium position in the conduit with a constant electrolyte flow rate and the particular array of platelets in the conduit can be specifically controlled by simply varying the weight, size or shape of the platelets, further improving the hydrogen generating capability of such system. The fluid conduit is impinged with radiant energy of sufficient wavelength to cause charge transfer in the platelets dissociating the electrolyte solution producing the hydrogen gas. The platelets are maintained suspended in the vertically flowing electrolyte by controlling the flow rate of the electrolyte solution. The respective dissociation products are collected for subsequent energy generation. For example, if a bromide electrolyte is used the bromine is also collected. The semiconducting platelets comprise an n-doped semiconducting layer, ohmic contact, and p-doped semiconducting layer, at least the edge of the ohmic contact being covered by an insulation layer.