SOME INVESTIGATIONS ON UTILIZATION OF SOLAR ENERGY BY PHOTOCHEMICAL METHODS

Abstract

A photobiological approach to solar energy utilization is possible and long established. Many attempts are being made to use photochemical methods to convert solar energy into usable forms. In this study, we have investigated some systems whirh may be utilized to convert solar energy into usable forms by Photochemical means. It was found that cuprous chloride coated cuprous hydroxide behaves as a catalyst in the photoreduction o f Nitrogen to Ammonia. The high activity o f the catalyst is mainly attributed to the good charge separation and the chemisorbtion of nitrogen. Hydrogen production from water using solar energy constitutes a recycling and ecologically sound energy system. It was found in the present study that the two systems acetic acid in the presence o f CuCl^ and D-glucose and starch in aqueous solutions o f CuCL, produced a comparatively good hydrogen yield in the laboratory s ca le . In both these systems, Trichlorocuprate (II) ion acts as the PhotocataLyst. A two way photosystem MnC^/TiC^ in aqueous medium which gave better results has several advantages compared to the earlier systems. It was also found that TiC^ can successfully employed as a Photocatalyst in water purification systems. The poss ibility of using TiC^ removing Methyl Violet dye present as a contaminant in water and the conversion of nitrite ions to a less harmful nitrate ions in water were studied as model systems.