A multi-unit device for photocatalytic degradation that contained a silicon solar cell module and two TiO2/Ti electrodes was fabricated. The TiO2/Ti electrodes were connected to Al (positive) and Ag (negative) electrodes of the module. The silicon solar cell module efficiently converted photons to electron-hole pairs, and the two well-designed TiO2/Ti Schottky junction electrodes transported the electrons and holes to the planar TiO2 surface. The combination of a silicon solar cell module and TiO2 gave excellent photocatalytic degradation activity beside simple and flexible fabrication. Importantly, this device showed great potential in the degradation of organic pollutants in water bodies.

A silicon solar cell module with two TiO2/Ti electrodes effectively performs photocatalytic degradation, showing potential for efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water bodies.

Efficient photocatalytic degradation by a silicon solar cell module with two Schottky junction TiO2/Ti electrodes

Key Takeaway: A silicon solar cell module with two TiO2/Ti electrodes effectively performs photocatalytic degradation, showing potential for efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water bodies.