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Lecture

Photochemistry II: Potential-controlling ions and Charge Separation

Description

This lecture covers the role of potential-controlling ions in determining the flatband potential at solid surfaces, as well as the mechanisms of light-induced charge separation at liquid and Schottky junctions. It also discusses the dye-sensitization of wide-bandgap semiconductors and the efficiency of charge separation processes. Furthermore, it explores the thermodynamic limitations of power conversion efficiency in solar energy conversion, emphasizing the impact of non-equilibrium conditions and entropy of light. The lecture concludes with insights into the quantum and bio-conversion of solar energy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy supply.

Official source

Ontological neighbourhood

Physics

Thermodynamics: Statistical mechanics

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Renewable energy is energy from renewable resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Renewable resources include sunlight, wind, the movement of water, and geothermal heat. Although most renewable energy sources are sustainable, some are not. For example, some biomass sources are considered unsustainable at current rates of exploitation. Renewable energy is often used for electricity generation, heating and cooling.

Work (thermodynamics)

Thermodynamic work is one of the principal processes by which a thermodynamic system can interact with its surroundings and exchange energy. This exchange results in externally measurable macroscopic forces on the system's surroundings, which can cause mechanical work, to lift a weight, for example, or cause changes in electromagnetic, or gravitational variables. The surroundings also can perform work on a thermodynamic system, which is measured by an opposite sign convention.

Entropy

Entropy is a scientific concept, as well as a measurable physical property, that is most commonly associated with a state of disorder, randomness, or uncertainty. The term and the concept are used in diverse fields, from classical thermodynamics, where it was first recognized, to the microscopic description of nature in statistical physics, and to the principles of information theory.

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Temperature is a physical quantity that expresses quantitatively the perceptions of hotness and coldness. Temperature is measured with a thermometer. Thermometers are calibrated in various temperature scales that historically have relied on various reference points and thermometric substances for definition. The most common scales are the Celsius scale with the unit symbol °C (formerly called centigrade), the Fahrenheit scale (°F), and the Kelvin scale (K), the latter being used predominantly for scientific purposes.

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100% renewable energy means getting all energy from renewable resources. The endeavor to use 100% renewable energy for electricity, heating, cooling and transport is motivated by climate change, pollution and other environmental issues, as well as economic and energy security concerns. Shifting the total global primary energy supply to renewable sources requires a transition of the energy system, since most of today's energy is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels.

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