Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen and oxygen and for the simultaneously or separately conducted photoelectrical/photovoltaic production of electricity, characterized in that water is brought into contact with silicides, while applying light at the same time, or the contact with water can be foregone if electricity is produced exclusively. The invention enables the production of hydrogen and oxygen in a simple way directly from water, wherein the use of UV light and cost-intensive catalysts can be foregone.

Abstract: In a process for photochemical and thermochemical generation of hydrogen and/or oxygen, water is contacted with at least one Si-containing compound selected from silicides, silicide-like compositions, and oxides of the silicides and silicide-like compositions. The Si-containing compound is selected from metallosilicides and non-metallic silicides of the formula RSixOy wherein R represents an organic, metallic, organometallic, biochemically derived and/or inorganic residue, wherein Si is silicon. The compound is preferably a silicide moiety with X>zero.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen and oxygen and for the simultaneously or separately conducted photoelectrical/photovoltaic production of electricity, characterized in that water is brought into contact with silicides, while applying light at the same time, or the contact with water can be foregone if electricity is produced exclusively. The invention enables the production of hydrogen and oxygen in a simple way directly from water, wherein the use of UV light and cost-intensive catalysts can be foregone.

Abstract: In a process for photochemical and thermochemical generation of hydrogen and/or oxygen, water is contacted with at least one Si-containing compound selected from silicides, silicide-like compositions, and oxides of the silicides and silicide-like compositions. The Si-containing compound is selected from metallosilicides and non-metallic suicides of the formula RSixOy wherein R represents an organic, metallic, organometallic, biochemically derived and/or inorganic residue, wherein Si is silicon. The compound is preferably a silicide moiety with X>zero.