Polyethyleneoxide (PEO)-based, anion conducting solid polymer electrolyte for PEC solar cells

Solid polymer electrolyte membranes were prepared by complexing tetrapropylammoniumiodide (Pr₄N⁺I^?) salt with polyethylene oxide (PEO) plasticized with ethylene carbonate (EC), and these were used in photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cells fabricated with the configuration glass/FTO/TiO₂/dye/electrolyte/Pt/FTO/glass. The PEO/Pr₄N⁺I^?+I₂?=?9:1 ratio gave the best room temperature conductivity for the electrolyte. For this composition, the plasticizer EC was added to increase the conductivity, and a further conductivity enhancement of four orders of magnitude was observed. An abrupt increase in conductivity occurs around 60–70 wt% EC; the room temperature conductivity was 5.4?×?10^?7 S cm^?1 for 60 wt% EC and 4.9?×?10^?5 S cm^?1 for the 70 wt% EC. For solar cells with electrolytes containing PEO/Pr₄N⁺I^?+I₂?=?9:1 and EC, IV curves and photocurrent action spectra were obtained. The photocurrent also increased with increasing amounts of EC, up to three orders of magnitude. However, the energy conversion efficiency of this cell was rather low.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde by hybrid Pt/WO3–MOR photocatalysts under visible or sunlight irradiation

A hybrid photocatalyst was prepared from visible light-responsive Pt/WO₃ and siliceous mordenite (MOR) zeolite by simple impregnation with an aqueous solution of (NH₄)₁₀W₁₂O₄₁·5H₂O. Unmodified Pt/WO₃ had low photocatalytic activity in gas phase oxidation of acetaldehyde because of its low surface area (3–5 m²/g). In contrast, the Pt/WO₃–MOR had higher photocatalytic activity under focused sunlight and Xe lamp irradiation. Pt/WO₃–MOR with low WO₃ content (<20 wt%) adsorbed sufficient acetaldehyde, but absorption of light in the visible region was low. The optimum zeolite content enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Pt/WO₃ was estimated to be 30–50 % (w/w). Adsorption of the gaseous reactants and the efficiency of absorption of incident light are both important aspects of high photocatalytic activity.     

A microvolume molecularly imprinted polymer modified fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor for bisphenol A determination

A fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor for bisphenol A (BPA) determination based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-modified fiber column was developed. MIP film immobilized with BPA was synthesized on the fiber column, and the sensor was then constructed by inserting the optical fiber prepared into a transparent capillary. A microchannel (about 2.0 μL) formed between the fiber and the capillary acted as a flow cell. BPA can be selectively adsorbed online by the MIP film and excited to produce fluorescence by the evanescent wave produced on the fiber core surface. The conditions for BPA enrichment, elution, and fluorescence detection are discussed in detail. The analytical measurements were made at 276 nm/306 nm (λ _ex/λ _em), and linearity of 3?×?10^?9–5?×?10^?6 g mL^?1 BPA, a limit of detection of 1.7?×?10^?9 g mL^?1 BPA (3σ), and a relative standard deviation of 2.4 % (n?=?5) were obtained. The sensor selectivity and MIP binding measurement were also evaluated. The results indicated that the selectivity and sensitivity of the proposed fiber-optic sensor could be greatly improved by using MIP as a recognition and enrichment element. Further, by modification of the sensing and detection elements on the optical fiber, the proposed sensor showed the advantages of easy fabrication and low cost. The novel sensor configuration provided a platform for monitoring other species by simply changing the light source and sensing elements. The sensor presented has been successfully applied to determine BPA released from plastic products treated at different temperatures.

Hydrogen evolution reaction and formic acid oxidation by decorated nanostructural Pt/Pd on a copper-filled nanoporous stainless steel

In this work, a 304 stainless steel (SS) was anodized to prepare nanoporous SS (NPSS) with an average size of about 75 nm and then filled with copper (Cu/NPSS) using pulsed electrodeposition method. Afterward, a nanostructural Pt and Pd film was deposited by galvanic replacement (GR) on the Cu/NPSS to prepare modified electrode (PtPd/Cu/NPSS) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and formic acid electrooxidation (FAO). The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode and its structural characterization have been studied by voltammetric methods, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that the nanostructural Pt₁Pd₁/Cu/NPSS composition, with low Pt loading and suitable stability, has a good electrocatalytic performance toward HER (E_Onset = + 12 mV vs. NHE) and FAO (E_Onset = ?180 mV vs. NHE). For HER observed a high mass activity of noble metals (87.54 mA cm^?2μg _Pd+Pt ^?1 ) in comparison with Pt deposited Cu/NPSS (41.5 mA cm^?2 μg _Pt ^?1 ) at the same applied potential of ? 0.25 V versus NHE. Also, the fabricated electrocatalysts with more electrochemically active surface area in comparison with Pd/Cu/NPSS and Pt/Cu/NPSS revealed more resisting to the poisoning components and good stability for FAO.     

CdS nanospheres hybridized with graphitic C3N4 for effective photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄)‐based photocatalysts have received considerable attention in the field of photocatalysis, especially for photocatalytic H₂ evolution. However, the intrinsic disadvantages of g‐C₃N₄ seriously limit its practical application. Herein, CdS nanospheres with an average diameter of 135 nm prepared using a solvothermal method were used as co‐catalysts to form CdS/g‐C₃N₄ composites (CSCN) to enhance the photocatalytic activity. Various techniques were employed to characterize the structure, composition and optical properties of the as‐prepared samples. It was found that the CdS nanospheres were relatively uniformly dispersed on the surface of g‐C₃N₄. Moreover, the photocatalytic H₂ generation activity of the samples was evaluated using lactic acid as sacrificial reagent in water under visible light irradiation. When the amount of CdS nanospheres loaded in the hybridized composites was 5 wt%, the optimal H₂ evolution rate reached 924 μmol g^?1 h^?1, which was approximately 1.4 times higher than that (680 μmol g^?1 h^?1) of Pt/g‐C₃N₄ (3 wt%). Based on the results of analysis, a possible mechanism for the photocatalytic activity of CSCN is proposed tentatively.     

油水自组装制备Ag@AgBr/BiOBr高效可见光催化剂

采用油水自组装法制备Ag@Ag Br表面修饰三维花状结构Bi OBr复合光催化剂(Ag@Ag Br/Bi OBr),利用XRD、SEM、TEM、EDX、DRS、XPS、PL及EIS等手段对光催化剂的结构和性能进行了表征,并研究了可见光下降解亚甲基蓝(MB)的催化性能。研究表明:Ag@Ag Br粒径约为20 nm,均匀分散在花状微球Bi OBr表面上;贵金属Ag的表面等离子体效应可显著增强可见光利用率,并有效促进光生电子空穴对的分离,Ag@Ag Br(15wt%)/Bi OBr光催化剂展现出最优的催化活性,可见光照射30 min对MB的降解率将近90%,淬灭实验表明·O2-,h+和Br0均为活性物种。结合理论分析与实验结果提出复合光催化剂的降解机理。     

油水自组装制备Ag@AgBr/BiOBr高效可见光催化剂

采用油水自组装法制备Ag@AgBr表面修饰三维花状结构BiOBr复合光催化剂(Ag@AgBr/BiOBr),利用XRD、SEM、TEM、EDX、DRS、XPS、PL及EIS等手段对光催化剂的结构和性能进行了表征,并研究了可见光下降解亚甲基蓝(MB)的催化性能.研究表明:Ag@AgBr粒径约为20nm,均匀分散在花状微球BiOBr表面上;贵金属Ag的表面等离子体效应可显著增强可见光利用率,并有效促进光生电子空穴对的分离,Ag@AgBr(15wt%)/BiOBr光催化剂展现出最优的催化活性,可见光照射30min对MB的降解率将近90%,淬灭实验表明·O₂^-,h⁺和Br⁰均为活性物种.结合理论分析与实验结果提出复合光催化剂的降解机理.     

Novel organic/inorganic PDI-Urea/BiOBr S-scheme heterojunction for improved photocatalytic antibiotic degradation and H2O2 production

The matched energy band structure and efficient carrier separation efficiency are the keys to heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions. A novel organic/inorganic step scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction PDI-Urea/BiOBr composite photocatalyst was constructed by simple solvothermal reaction combined with in-situ growth strategy. The composite photocatalyst not only has high chemical stability, but also can generate and accumulate a large number of active species (h⁺, ^?O₂^?, ^?OH, H₂O₂). PDI-Urea/BiOBr showed higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of antibiotic such as ofloxacin (OFLO), tetracycline (TC) and the production of H₂O₂ in the spectral range of 400–800 nm. The apparent rate constant of 15% PDI-Urea/BiOBr for photocatalytic degradation of TC (or OFLO) was 2.7 (or 2.5) times that of pure BiOBr and 1.7 (or 1.8) times that of pure PDI-Urea. The H₂O₂ evolution rate of 15% PDI-Urea/BiOBr was 2.5 times that of PDI-Urea and 1.5 times that of BiOBr, respectively. This work has formed a mature S-scheme heterojunction design thought and method, which offers new visions for the development of heterogeneous photocatalysts.     

A New p‐Metal‐n Structure AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr with Superior Visible‐Light‐Responsive Catalytic Performance

A novel visible‐light‐driven AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Taking advantage of both p‐n heterojunctions and localized surface plasmon resonance, the p‐metal‐n structure exhibited a superior performance concerning degradation of methyl orange under visible‐light irradiation (λ>420 nm). A possible photodegradation mechanism in the presence of AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr composites was proposed, and the radical species involved in the degradation reaction were investigated. HO₂^?/^?O₂^? played the same important role as ^?OH in the AgBr‐Ag‐BiOBr photocatalytic system, and both the electron and hole were fully used for degradation of organic pollutants. A dual role of metallic Ag in the photocatalysis was proposed, one being surface plasmon resonance and the other being an electron‐hole bridge. Due to the distinctive p‐metal‐n structure, the visible‐light absorption, the separation of photogenerated carriers and the photocatalysis efficiency were greatly enhanced.     

An ambient temperature aqueous sol–gel processing of efficient nanocrystalline doped TiO2-based photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants

An environmentally-friendly aqueous sol–gel process for producing undoped and Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺ or Pb²⁺-doped TiO₂ photocatalysts exhibiting a remarkably high photocatalytic activity without requiring any calcination step has been developed. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by ICP-AES, XRD, UV–Vis spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. It has been found that the catalysts are composed of nanocrystallites of anatase with a size of 6–7 nm and a specific surface area varying from 184 to 275 m² g^?1. A screening of the photocatalytic activity of the undoped and doped photocatalysts has been performed by evaluating the degradation of 4-nitrophenol under artificial light (330 nm < λ < 800 nm) after 7 h of illumination using a custom-designed multisample photoreactor. The activity measured for the TiO₂-Undoped catalyst was found to be five times higher than the activity measured for uncalcined TiO₂ catalysts produced by other sol–gel methods. We propose that this interesting result is due to the particular morphology of the xerogels obtained. It has also been demonstrated that the presence of the dopant leads to an enhancement of the photocatalytic activity in all cases. The role of particular dopants in modulating the photocatalytic activity will be discussed. Finally, the possibility of producing undoped and Zn²⁺-doped films presenting a higher activity than the commercial photocatalytic coating (Saint Gobain Glass Bioclean^®) without requiring any calcination step has been demonstrated. These preliminary results constitute an important step forward in the development of photocatalytic films using a sol–gel process compatible with the constraints associated with large-scale industrial processing.     

Photocatalytic effect of nano-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> loaded cement on dye decolorization and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> inactivation under UV irradiation

In the present study, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nano-particles were synthesized by sol–gel technique and then used to provide nano-TiO₂ loaded cement samples at 1, 5, and 10 wt% for investigation of Malachite green pigment decomposition and Escherichia coli inactivation under UV irradiation. Surveys conducted on the synthesized TiO₂ nano-particles showed a 100 % anatase phase with a mean particle size of 66.5 nm, surface area of 64.352 m² g^?1, and a porosity volume of 0.1278 cm³ g^?1. Cement samples containing this catalyst exhibited stronger photocatalytic properties as compared to the same amount of pure catalyst. Considering both photocatalytic performance and cost of catalyst, 5 wt% titanium dioxide was suggested to be added to cement. By addition of 1 wt% polycarboxylic copolymer as super-plasticizer to the cement paste, the photocatalytic sample activities were reinforced so that a similar performance could be obtained at 1 wt% catalyst as compared to 5 wt% catalyst without super-plasticizer.     

Significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance of zinc oxide via bismuth oxybromide hybridization and the mechanism study

A highly efficient and stable ZnO–BiOBr composite photocatalyst was prepared by a facile one-pot solvothermal method. A variety of sophisticated techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra and photoelectrochemical measurement, and so on were employed to characterize the materials. The as-prepared ZnO–BiOBr nanocrystalline showed strong photocatalytic activity for decomposition of methylene blue (MB), Orange II and biphenol A (BPA) under simulated visible light illumination. The possible working principle for the superior photocatalytic properties and reusability of the ZnO–BiOBr hybrid was surveyed to disclose contributions of various effects for the photoactivity enhancement. It was pointed out that *OH and holes take priority over ?O₂ ^? radicals in serving as the main oxidant in the reaction system. The experimental results indicated that the ZnO–BiOBr composite is highly photostable and valuable for real environmental applications.     

Ultrathin Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets with Ultrahigh Loading of Single Pt Atoms for Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

A surfactant‐stabilized coordination strategy is used to make two‐dimensional (2D) single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with an ultrahigh Pt loading of 12.0 wt %, by assembly of pre‐formed single Pt atom coordinated porphyrin precursors into free‐standing metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets with an ultrathin thickness of 2.4±0.9 nm. This is the first example of 2D MOF‐based SACs. Remarkably, the 2D SACs exhibit a record‐high photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate of 11 320 μmol g^?1 h^?1 via water splitting under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm) compared with those of reported MOF‐based photocatalysts. Moreover, the MOF nanosheets can be readily drop‐casted onto solid substrates, forming thin films while still retaining their photocatalytic activity, which is highly desirable for practical solar H₂ production.     

Preparation and measurement of properties of BiOBr/BiOCl/PANI ternary nanocomposite for highly efficient visible light photocatalytic applications

In this paper, we report the synthesis of the BiOBr/BiOCl/PANI ternary nanocomposite using a simple co-precipitation method. The modified photocatalyst produced was characterized by the FT-IR, FE-SEM equipped with EDS (as a Map), TEM, XRD, PL, Raman, and UV–Vis DRS analytical techniques. The synergetic effect of PANI and surface defects in nanoplates can prolong the recombination rate of photo-generated charge carriers. Thus, photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activities of samples have been studied. Then, the methyl orange (MO) degradation performance of PANI/BiOBr and BiOBr/BiOCl/PANI was investigated under visible light irradiation. The lamp used to simulate sunlight in this photocatalytic study process was power down white light (5-W LED), less reported. The results got exhibited that the as-prepared BiOBr/BiOCl/PANI (90:10, Bi:PANI) nanocomposite showed a higher photocatalytic efficiency. Based on the scavenger tests, ^·O₂^? played a significant role in the degradation of MO. The connection between BiOBr, BiOCl, and PANI improved photocatalytic activity, which enhanced migration rate of the photo-generated electrons besides limiting the recombination of photo-generated electron–hole pairs.

     

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of carbon quantum dots/BiOBr composite and mechanism investigation

Novel CQDs/BiOBr composite photocatalysts are constructed via a simple hydrothermal synthesis and show superior activity in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.     

Darstellung von Nonahalogenodiplatinaten(IV), [Pt2X9]−, X  Cl,Br Spektroskopische Charakterisierung,Normalkoordinatenanalyse und Kristallstruktur von (PPN)[Pt2Br9]

Preparation of the Nonahalogenodiplatinates(IV), [Pt₂X₉]^?, X ? Cl, Br Spectroscopic Characterization, Normal Coordinate Analysis, and Crystal Structure of (PPN)[Pt₂Br₉] On heating the tetrabutylammonium salts (TBA)₂[PtX₆], with trifluoroacetic acid the nonahalogenodiplatinates(IV) (TBA)[Pt₂X₉], with X ? Cl, Br are formed. The X-ray structure determination on (PPN)[Pt₂Br₉] (orthorhombic, space group Pca2, Z = 4) shows for the anions pairs of face-sharing octahedra with nearly D_3h symmetry. The mean terminal and bridging Pt? Br bond lengths are determined to be 2.42 and 2.52 Å, respectively. The electrostatic interaction of the Pt atoms results in the Pt? Pt distance of 3.23 Å and an elongation as it has been forecasted by the MO scheme for d⁶ systems. Using the structural data a normal coordinate analysis based on a general valence force field for [Pt₂Br₉]^? has been performed, revealing a good agreement of the calculated frequencies with the bands observed in the IR and Raman spectra. The stronger bonding of the terminal as compared to the bridging ligands is shown by the valence force constants, f_a(Br₁) = 1,55 > f_d(Br_b) = 0,93 mdyn/ Å.     

Construction of Pt complex within Zr-based MOF and its application for hydrogen production under visible-light irradiation

The present article deals with Pt complex construction within Zr-based MOF having bipyridine units in the framework (Zr-MOF-bpy-PtCl₂) and its photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Zr-MOF-bpy-PtCl₂ is prepared by the construction of a Zr-based MOF using 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylic acid (Zr-MOF-bpy), and subsequent complexation reaction with K₂PtCl₄. XRD and N₂ adsorption–desorption measurements have revealed that both Zr-MOF-bpy and Zr-MOF-bpy-PtCl₂ have a UiO-type structure. From the results of UV–Vis and XAFS measurements, the incorporated Pt species has been proven to be in square planar geometry involving two N atoms and two Cl atoms as a result of the Pt coordination with bipyridine units in the framework. Zr-MOF-bpy-PtCl₂ has been employed for a hydrogen production reaction from water containing a sacrificial electron donor under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Zr-MOF-bpy-PtCl₂ realizes steady hydrogen production, and the amount of evolved hydrogen reaches 8.3 μmol after the 9 h reaction period, while Zr-MOF-bpy exhibits no photocatalytic activity under the same conditions. It has also been found that the activity of Zr-MOF-bpy-PtCl₂ is superior to that of the corresponding homogeneous complex analogue (bpy)PtCl₂.     

Photocatalytic degradation of triazine dyes over N-doped TiO2 in solar radiation

Photocatalytic degradation of the reactive triazine dyes Reactive Yellow 84 (RY 84), Reactive Red 120 (RR 120), and Reactive Blue 160 (RB 160) on anatase phase N-doped TiO₂ in the presence of natural sunlight has been carried out in this work. The effect of experimental parameters like initial pH and concentration of dye solution and dosage of the catalyst on photocatalytic degradation have also been investigated. Adsorption of dyes on N-doped TiO₂ was studied prior to photocatalytic studies. The studies show that the adsorption of dyes on N-doped TiO₂ was high at pH 3 and follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity of dyes on N-doped TiO₂ was 39.5, 86.0, and 96.3 mg g^?1 for RY 84, RR 120, and RB 160, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation of the dyes follows pseudo first-order kinetics and the rate constant values are higher for N-doped TiO₂ when compared with that of undoped TiO₂. Moreover, the degradation of RY 84 on N-doped TiO₂ in sunlight was faster than the commercial Aeroxide^® P25. However, the P25 has shown higher photocatalytic activity for the other two dyes, RR 120 and RB 160. The COD of 50 mg l^?1 Reactive Yellow-84, RR 120 and RB 160 was reduced by 65.1, 73.1, and 69.6 %, respectively, upon irradiation of sunlight for 3 h in the presence of N-doped TiO₂. The photocatalyst shows low activity for the degradation of RY 84 dye, when its concentration was above 50 mg l^?1, due to the strong absorption of photons in the wavelength range 200–400 nm by the dye solution. LC–MS analysis shows the presence of some triazine compounds and formimidamide derivatives in the dye solutions after 3 h solar light irradiation in the presence of N-doped TiO₂.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of sunlight-responsive BiOBr–CoWO4 heterostructured nanocomposites

Efficient sunlight-responsive BiOBr–CoWO₄ heterostructured nanocomposite photocatalysts were prepared via a chemical precipitation route at 100°C in 4 hours. The prepared BiOBr–CoWO₄ heterostructures were characterized for phase identification, chemical composition, surface morphology, optical properties and surface area using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the BiOBr–CoWO₄ nanocomposite was composed of diffraction peaks equivalent to both the tetragonal phase of BiOBr and the monoclinic phase of CoWO₄ nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectral study of the BiOBr–CoWO₄ nanocomposite revealed orbitals of both BiOBr and CoWO₄ compounds. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that spherical particles of CoWO₄ (20–25 nm) were dispersed on the surface of BiOBr. UV–visible–near-infrared spectral study of the BiOBr–CoWO₄ nanocomposite showed good visible-light absorption. Among the manufactured materials, BiOBr–CoWO₄-2 nanocomposite showed better charge carrier separation efficiency, as demonstrated by photoluminescence and time-resolved fluorescence. To study the practical utility of the prepared materials, their photocatalytic capability was examined for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution under sunlight irradiation. The photodegradation results showed that BiOBr–CoWO₄-2 nanocomposite degraded 98.69% RhB solution and the degradation constant was 0.067 min⁻¹, which was 5.6 and 22.5 times larger than that of pure BiOBr and CoWO₄ nanoparticles, respectively, after 60 minutes of sunlight irradiation. The superior photoactivity was facilitated by electron–hole pair separation and transfer driven by the heterostructure interface between BiOBr particles and CoWO₄ nanoparticles. The removal of RhB was initiated by photogenerated h⁺, O₂^{• −} and ^•OH reactive species based on the scavenger effect.     

Artificial photosynthesis by using chloroplasts from spinach adsorbed on a nanocrystalline TiO2 electrode for photovoltaic conversion

Photovoltaic conversion has been achieved by use of chloroplasts (photosynthetic organs) from spinach adsorbed on a nanocrystalline TiO₂ film on an indium tin oxide (ITO) glass electrode (chloroplast/TiO₂ electrode). The shape of the absorption spectrum of the chloroplast/TiO₂ electrode is almost the same that of a dispersion of the chloroplasts. Absorption maxima of the chloroplast/TiO₂ electrode observed at 430, 475, and 670 nm were attributed to carotenoid and chlorophyll molecules, suggesting that chloroplasts have been adsorbed by the nanocrystalline TiO₂ film on the ITO electrode. The photocurrent responses of chloroplast/TiO₂ electrodes were measured by using a solution of 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate in acetonitrile as redox electrolyte in the presence or absence of water and 100 mW cm^?2 irradiation. The photocurrent of the chloroplast/TiO₂ electrode was increased by adding water to the redox electrolyte. The photocurrent responses of chloroplast/TiO₂ electrodes irradiated with monochromatic light (680 nm, the absorption band of photosystem II complexed with evolved oxygen) were measured by use of a solution of 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate in acetonitrile as redox electrolyte in the presence or absence of water. A chloroplast/TiO₂ electrode photocurrent was observed only when the redox electrolyte containing water was used, indicating that the oxygen evolved from water by photosystem II in chloroplasts adsorbed by a nanocrystalline TiO₂ film on an ITO electrode irradiated at 680 nm is reduced to water by the catalytic activity of the platinum electrode. The maximum incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) was 0.8 % on irradiation at 670 nm.