How Does Photocatalysis Enhance Solar Panel Efficiency?
In conventional solar panels, the objective is to convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. However, in photocatalytic systems, materials known as photocatalysts absorb sunlight to generate electron-hole pairs that participate in chemical reactions. These reactions can produce fuels like hydrogen or reduce carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. By integrating photocatalysts into solar panels, it is possible to not only generate electricity but also store energy in chemical bonds, significantly enhancing the overall energy efficiency.
