Principles of Photoelectrochemistry

In this chapter, theories essential for electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry are described. Starting with three superior characteristics of electrochemical reactions, the surface structure and surface reactions for water electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cells, and the concept of redox potential are presented. Historically important photoelectrochemistry with TiO2 single crystal electrodes is explained along with the concept of flat band potential and space charge layer. This concept of photoelectrochemistry is extended to particulate semiconductors. Finally, the photoelectrode with dye sensitizer is briefly described in terms of the application to solar cells.