Redox reaction by thermal excitation carriers in semiconductors: semiconductor-sensitized thermal cell

Abstract

The semiconductor-sensitized thermal cell (STC) is a groundbreaking thermal energy conversion technology capable of converting low-temperature heat (<200 °C) directly into electricity. It is based on the concept of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), but instead of photoexcited carriers in a dye, STC depends on the redox reaction of electrolyte ions initiated by thermally excited carriers in a semiconductor. One of the most appealing features of an STC is that once it reaches discharge termination, power generation can be restored by turning off the switch and leaving the STC in the heat source. This paper is the first comprehensive review in English of STCs, which have previously been used to enable Bluetooth communication with asphalt heat and to charge lithium-ion batteries with geothermal heat in Mexico.