Progress Report for the Advanced Solar Energy Research Program: October 1, 1979 to March 31, 1980

Progress is reported in photobiology, photochemical conversion and storage, photoelectrochemistry, and materials research. Three areas of photobiological research are under investigation: in vitro energy conversion, microbiological hydrogen production, and algal hydrocarbon production. Work is reported on sensitizers for solar photochemistry, redox catalysis, coupled systems, and inorganic photochemistry. Theory and modeling of the energetics of semiconductor/electrolyte junctions and the effects of inversion are reported as well as new semiconductor electrode materials and work on photoelectrodialysis. Basic research on the mechanisms affecting materials performance in solar energy conversion systems and development of new materials that improve system efficiency, reliability and economics are reported. Basic and applied research has been conducted on metals, glasses, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, and fluids so that materials can be selected to reduce life-cycle costs. (LEW)