Photovoltachromic device, useful e.g. for performing photovoltaic function and photoelectrochromic function, comprises photoelectrode, and counterelectrode, where counterelectrode comprises electrochromic region and catalytic region

NOVELTY - The photovoltachromic device comprises a photoelectrode (86), and a counterelectrode (66). The counterelectrode comprises an electrochromic region (70) and a catalytic region (72) that are physically separate to each other. The electrochromic region and the catalytic region are interdigitated. The photoelectrode is arranged above the catalytic region. The catalytic region comprises first strips having a first width measured in a first direction. The electrochromic region comprises second strips having a second width measured in the first direction. USE - The photovoltachromic device is useful: for performing photovoltaic function and photoelectrochromic function; and for producing a photovoltachromic module, which is useful for powering standalone appliances. ADVANTAGE - The photovoltachromic device: rapidly and effectively enables/disables the photovoltaic function and photoelectrochromic function in an independent manner; and has good overall transmittance and desired spectral absorption property. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The photovoltachromic device comprises a photoelectrode (86), and a counterelectrode (66). The counterelectrode comprises an electrochromic region (70) and a catalytic region (72) that are physically separate to each other. The electrochromic region and the catalytic region are interdigitated. The photoelectrode is arranged above the catalytic region. The catalytic region comprises first strips having a first width measured in a first direction. The electrochromic region comprises second strips having a second width measured in the first direction. A ratio between the first and second widths is 0.1-1. The photoelectrode comprises third strips each of which is arranged above the first strips, and fourth strips each of which is arranged above the second strips. The third strips are sensitized with a first sensitizer and the fourth strips are sensitized with a second sensitizer, which is different from the first sensitizer. The fourth strips are electrically decoupled from the third strips. The photovoltachromic device further comprises: a first electrical connection designed to connect the third strips to the catalytic region; a second electrical connection designed to connect the fourth strips to the electrochromic region; and an electronic mediator present in direct contact with the photoelectrode and the counterelectrode. The first and second electrical connections respectively comprise first and second electronic switches that are independently controlled. The electronic mediator contains a redox couple. The electrochromic region is made of a cathodic-coloring electrochromic material. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a process for manufacturing a photovoltachromic device. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic cross sectional view of a photovoltachromic device.