Framework, chemical model, and efficiency analysis of solar multifield-driven hybrid chemical utilization for splitting environmentally stable molecules to energetic molecules

The splitting of environmentally stable molecules that persistently exist in the natural environment, such as water and carbon dioxide, can release highly energetic molecules. However, it requires mostly a huge input of energy. A solar multifield-driven hybrid chemical utilization system has efficiently implemented the splitting of environmentally stable molecules to energetic molecules. Because the system is a hybrid chemical complex driven by the solar multi-energy fields, the varied configurations have been integrated in the recent researches. So, the efficiency calculation is very complex and varies from case to case, especially combined with the photo/electro/thermochemical processes. In the paper, the framework and redox chemistry are elucidated for fully understanding and clearing this system, exemplified by the solar thermo–assisted electrochemical splitting of H2O and CO2. Expressions are presented for both solar conversion efficiency and chemical utilization efficiency. The high efficiency clarity is conducted in this new solar system.