Method of photoelectrolysis

Abstract

A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, which comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.  
     
     
         2 . The method, according to  claim 1 , wherein the material is a polymer comprising a strongly ionic group.  
     
     
         3 . The method, according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymer is hydrophilic.  
     
     
         4 . The method, according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymer is cross-linked.  
     
     
         5 . The method, according to  claim 1 , wherein the material is malleable.  
     
     
         6 . The method, according to  claim 1 , wherein the species is water.  
     
     
         7 . The method, according to  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is in the form of stack.  
     
     
         8 . The method, according to  claim 1 , which further comprises forming an electric field across the membrane.  
     
     
         9 . The method, according to  claim 1 , wherein the assembly comprises a catalyst.  
     
     
         10 . The method, according to  claim 9 , wherein the catalyst comprises platinum and ruthenium.  
     
     
         11 . The method, according to  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is irradiated directly.