Responsive To Light Patents (Class 429/111)
  • Patent number: 11848396
    Abstract: In an aspect, a method of forming a photoactive device comprises: providing a perovskite-surfactant solution, said perovskite-surfactant solution comprising a perovskite ink and a surfactant; and coating said perovskite-surfactant solution onto a receiving surface of a substrate thereby forming a layer of said photoactive device; wherein said layer comprises a perovskite material; and wherein an active area of said photoactive device is at least 1 cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: NUTech Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinsong Huang, Yehao Deng
  • Patent number: 11841686
    Abstract: Energy-collecting display modules are disclosed. The modules include a base substrate with a plurality of sub-pixels, which are laid out in a substantially regular sub-pixel pattern. The sub-pixels are dispersed along the base substrate with sub-pixel spacing regions between individual sub-pixels. The modules also include a photovoltaic region disposed within the sub-pixel spacing regions such that the photovoltaic region minimally obscures a subpixel viewing cone region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Wen-Yu Wu
  • Patent number: 11818903
    Abstract: This application provides a solar cell, a method for preparing the solar cell, smart glasses, and an electronic device. The solar cell includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first conductive lattice, a second conductive layer, and a functional layer. The functional layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, the functional layer is configured to absorb light and generate a photocurrent, and both the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are configured to receive the photocurrent. The first conductive lattice is in contact with a surface that is of the first conductive layer. The second conductive lattice is in contact with the second conductive layer, and the first conductive lattice and the second conductive lattice are configured to output the photocurrent to the target device. This application can mitigate impact of a sheet resistance on cell efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuo Wang, Kai Xin
  • Patent number: 11784370
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method of use, including an anode of metal, an air permeable cathode, an electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and a transition metal phosphide catalyst on the cathode or between the cathode and the electrolyte. Also, a method of generating electrical current with an electrochemical cell by introducing a transition metal phosphide catalyst on a cathode side of the electrochemical cell. The catalyst can be in the form of any suitable nanostructure, such as molybdenum phosphide nanoflakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mohammad Asadi, Alireza Kondori, Mohammadreza Esmaeilirad
  • Patent number: 11769844
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate structure and a p-type semiconductor absorber layer. A photovoltaic device may include a CdSeTe layer. A process for manufacturing a photovoltaic device includes forming a CdSeTe layer over a substrate. The process includes forming a p-type cadmium selenide telluride absorber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Damjanovic, Feng Liao, Rick Powell, Rui Shao, Jigish Trivedi, Zhibo Zhao
  • Patent number: 11768470
    Abstract: A dial for a watch includes a semi-transparent photovoltaic layer having a lower face. The dial also includes an ink-based decorative layer printed on the lower face of the photovoltaic layer. The decorative layer includes a pattern including one or more time markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Matthias Imboden, Alain Jornod
  • Patent number: 11723258
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion material dispersion liquid of an embodiment includes: perovskite crystal particles having a composition represented as ABX3, where A is a monovalent cation of an amine compound, B is a divalent cation of a metal element, and X is a monovalent anion of a halogen element, and having an average particle diameter of not less than 10 nm nor more than 10000 nm; and a dispersion medium which is composed of a poor solvent to the perovskite crystal particles, and in which the perovskite crystal particles are dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Haruhi Oooka, Hideyuki Nakao, Mitsunaga Saito
  • Patent number: 11696456
    Abstract: A solar cell 100 includes a substrate 1, a first electrode 6, an electron transport layer 2, a first photoelectric conversion layer 3, and a coating layer 5. The first photoelectric conversion layer 3 is disposed between the first electrode 6 and the substrate 1. The substrate 1 has a first main surface and a second main surface, and the second main surface has an uneven structure. The electron transport layer 2 has a first main surface and a second main surface, and the first main surface and the second main surface each have an uneven structure. The first photoelectric conversion layer 3 has a first main surface and a second main surface. The second main surface of the substrate 1 faces the first main surface of the electron transport layer 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Kawano, Taisuke Matsui, Akio Matsushita, Maki Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 11647640
    Abstract: A solar cell 100 includes a substrate 1, a first electrode 6, an electron transport layer 2, a first photoelectric conversion layer 3, and a coating layer 5. The first photoelectric conversion layer 3 is disposed between the first electrode 6 and the substrate 1. The substrate 1 has a first main surface and a second main surface, and the second main surface has an uneven structure. The electron transport layer 2 has a first main surface and a second main surface, and the first main surface and the second main surface each have an uneven structure. The first photoelectric conversion layer 3 has a first main surface and a second main surface. The second main surface of the substrate 1 faces the first main surface of the electron transport layer 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Kawano, Taisuke Matsui, Akio Matsushita, Maki Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 11469444
    Abstract: An all-solid-state battery includes a body including a solid electrolyte layer, and an anode layer and a cathode layer alternately stacked with the solid electrolyte layer interposed therebetween. A first external electrode is disposed on one side of the body and includes a first electrode layer and a first conductive resin layer disposed on the first electrode layer, and a second external electrode is disposed on another side of the body and includes a second electrode layer and a second conductive resin layer disposed on the second electrode layer. A protective layer is disposed on an entirety of an external surface of the body free of the first and second electrode layers and on the first and second electrode layers, and at least one opening is included in a region of the protective layer disposed on at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Ryul Jung, Kyung Lock Kim, Jong Sik Yoon, Chang Hak Choi, Byeong Cheol Moon
  • Patent number: 11410818
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide a semiconductor element comprising a first electrode, an active layer, a second electrode comprising a homogeneous metal layer, and further a barrier layer comprising a transparent metal oxide. The barrier layer is placed between the active layer and the second electrode. The present embodiments also provide a method for manufacturing said semiconductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Takeshi Gotanda
  • Patent number: 11207640
    Abstract: An electrochemical device suited to modifying a carbon dioxide concentration in an interior space includes a cathode chamber with an inlet which receives a feed gas containing carbon dioxide. A reduction catalyst layer in the cathode chamber reduces carbon dioxide in the gas to form an ionic carrier species. An anode chamber with an outlet outputs a gas comprising carbon dioxide. A solid electrolyte membrane spaces the anode chamber from the cathode chamber and transports the ionic carrier species between the cathode chamber and the anode chamber. The membrane includes an ionic liquid. An oxidation catalyst layer in the anode chamber oxidizes the ionic carrier species to form carbon dioxide. A voltage source provides a voltage difference across the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Divyaraj Desai, Jessica Louis Baker Rivest, Gabriel Iftime, Vedhasri Vedharathinam, Mahati Chintapalli, Junhua Wei, Sean Emerson Doris
  • Patent number: 11050076
    Abstract: Flow cell systems are provided. Example flow cell systems can include an H+/H2 half-cell and a counterpart Fe3+/Fe2+ or V5+/V4+ half-cell. Flow cell systems can also include a half-cell in fluid communication with an electrolyte regeneration chamber. Embodiments of these flow cells systems can be configured to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Flow cell battery systems are also disclosed. Example flow cell battery systems can include an H+/H2 analyte; and a counterpart Fe3+/Fe2+ or V5+/V4+ catholyte. Processes for generating hydrogen are also disclosed. Example processes can include generating protons from a Fe3+/Fe2+ or V5+/V4+ electrolyte solution; and reacting the protons with H2O to form H2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Wei Wang, Zimin Nie, Vincent Sprenkle, Jamelyn D. Holladay
  • Patent number: 10983007
    Abstract: A material optical transition analysis method and system are provided, the method includes: determining a dielectric function spectrum of a material to be analyzed, calculating a second derivative spectrum of the dielectric function spectrum related to the excitation light energy, and performing the CP fitting analysis on the second derivative spectrum to obtain a CP analysis result diagram of the material; drawing an energy band structure diagram and a PDOS diagram of the material, and drawing an energy difference diagram between CBs and VBs according to the energy band structure diagram of the material; determining spatial positions of CPs and the corresponding CBs and the VBs according to the CP analysis result diagram of the material and the energy difference diagram between the CBs and the VBs; and finally indicating the CBs and the VBs in the energy band structure diagram, and determining the particle types participating in formation of the CPs in the PDOS diagram to complete the material optical transi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Honggang Gu, Baokun Song, Shiyuan Liu, Mingsheng Fang, Xiuguo Chen, Hao Jiang
  • Patent number: 10766915
    Abstract: Compositions of the invention include metal-based coordination complexes, which are preferably tunable photodynamic compounds. The compositions and complexes are useful as therapeutic agents and as in vivo diagnostic agents for treating or preventing diseases including those that involve hyperproliferating cells in their etiology, such as cancer. Compositions and complexes of the invention are further capable of destroying microbial cells, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, and destroying viruses. The compositions and complexes are also capable of modulating cell function in other ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Sherri Ann McFarland
  • Patent number: 10705151
    Abstract: An intermediate structure unit for a secondary cell according to the present invention is the intermediate structure unit for a secondary cell having a secondary cell and a test structure unit on a common substrate. Each of the secondary cell and the test structure unit includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. A plurality of layers are layered at the secondary cell between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The plurality of layers include at least a metal oxide semiconductor layer and a charging layer. A party of the plurality of layers is formed at the test structure unit between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA NIHON MICRONICS
    Inventors: Yuki Sato, Kazuyuki Tsunokuni, Tomokazu Saito
  • Patent number: 10649560
    Abstract: A touch display panel having a display region, a peripheral region surrounding the display region, and a sensing region located between the display region and the peripheral region is provided. The touch display panel includes a pixel array, a touch electrode, an active device, at least one first sensor, at least one second sensor, and a light-shielding layer. The pixel array is located in the display region. The touch electrode located in the sensing region and the pixel array are separated from each other. The active device coupled to the touch electrode is located in the sensing region. The at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor are located in the sensing region and separated from each other. The light-shielding layer covers the at least one first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Che-Chia Chang, Ming-Hung Chuang
  • Patent number: 10580588
    Abstract: The present invention features a solar-to-electric energy conversion device based on a light absorbing electrode coupled to a one-dimensional nanoparticle based photonic crystal. The function of the latter is to localize the incident light within the electrode thus enhancing the optical absorption and the power conversion efficiency of the so called dye-sensitized and organic (polymer based or hybrids) cell. The photonic crystal comprises alternating layers possessing different index of refraction and can be easily integrated into the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: EXEGER OPERATIONS AB
    Inventors: Hernan Miguez, Silvia Colodrero
  • Patent number: 10396386
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for generating and storing electric power in which a microbial solar cell is provided in a sealed container with photosynthetic organisms that generate reactants of the microbial fuel cell and the products of the microbial fuel cell from sunlight received through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Leonard M. Tender
  • Patent number: 10388897
    Abstract: The invention provides an optoelectronic device comprising: (i) a porous dielectric scaffold material; and (ii) a semiconductor having a band gap of less than or equal to 3.0 eV, in contact with the scaffold material. Typically the semiconductor, which may be a perovskite, is disposed on the surface of the porous dielectric scaffold material, so that it is supported on the surfaces of pores within the scaffold. In one embodiment, the optoelectronic device is an optoelectronic device which comprises a photoactive layer, wherein the photoactive layer comprises: (a) said porous dielectric scaffold material; (b) said semiconductor; and (c) a charge transporting material. The invention further provides the use, as a photoactive material in an optoelectronic device, of: (i) a porous dielectric scaffold material; and (ii) a semiconductor having a band gap of less than or equal to 3.0 eV, in contact with the scaffold material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Henry Snaith, Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 10050319
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical secondary cell comprising a photocatalytic anode, or photoanode; an anode; a cathode comprising a metal hydride; electrolyte; separator; and case at least a portion of which is transparent to the electromagnetic radiation required by said photoanode to charge said photoelectrochemical secondary cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: John M. Guerra
  • Patent number: 10026560
    Abstract: The solar fuels generator includes an ionically conductive separator between a gaseous first phase and a second phase. A photoanode uses one or more components of the first phase to generate cations during operation of the solar fuels generator. A cation conduit is positioned provides a pathway along which the cations travel from the photoanode to the separator. The separator conducts the cations. A second solid cation conduit conducts the cations from the separator to a photocathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Joshua M. Sprugeon, William C. West, Chengxiang Xiang
  • Patent number: 9825321
    Abstract: A hybrid photoelectrochemical and microbial fuel cell device is provided that includes a single-chamber photoelectrochemical device having an n-type TiO2 photoanode and a Pt counter electrode in an aqueous electrolyte solution, and a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by a cation exchange membrane, where the anode chamber includes a carbon anode and microorganisms and the cathode chamber includes Pt-loaded carbon cathode, the carbon anode is electrically connected to the Pt counter electrode, the carbon cathode is electrically connected to the TiO2 photoanode, a light source creates photoexcited electron-hole pairs at the photoanode, the holes oxidize water into oxygen, where dissolved oxygen in the cathode chamber is reduced, the microorganisms oxidize and produce bioelectrons, where the bioelectrons are transferred to the Pt electrode and reduce protons to form hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yat Li, Hanyu Wang, Gongming Wang
  • Patent number: 9799841
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photoelectric conversion element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a first layer. The second electrode includes a base member and a first material portion. The base member includes a plurality of structure bodies including carbon. The first material portion includes a carrier transport material and is provided between the structure bodies. The photoelectric conversion layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a material having a perovskite structure. The first layer is provided between the photoelectric conversion layer and the second electrode. The first layer includes the carrier transport material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takeshi Gotanda, Yoshihiko Nakano, Katsuyuki Naito
  • Patent number: 9774059
    Abstract: A lithium-ion battery cell includes at least two working electrodes, each including an active material, an inert material, an electrolyte and a current collector, a first separator region arranged between the at least two working electrodes to separate the at least two working electrodes so that none of the working electrodes are electronically connected within the cell, an auxiliary electrode including a lithium reservoir, and a second separator region arranged between the auxiliary electrode and the at least two working electrodes to separate the auxiliary electrode from the working electrodes so that none of the working electrodes is electronically connected to the auxiliary electrode within the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: John F. Christensen, Jasim Ahmed, Sungbae Park, Aleksander Kojic
  • Patent number: 9735306
    Abstract: A photoelectrode, photovoltaic device and photoelectrochemical cell and methods of making are disclosed. The photoelectrode includes an electrode at least partially formed of FeO combined with at least one of lithium, hydrogen, sodium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and nickel. The electrode may be doped with at least one of lithium, hydrogen, and sodium. The electrode may be alloyed with at least one of magnesium, manganese, zinc, and nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignees: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, TECHNION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, LTD
    Inventors: Emily Ann Carter, Maytal Caspary Toroker
  • Patent number: 9670299
    Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of: (i) polymerizing monomer with a coordination catalyst to form a reactive polymer; and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with a nitroso compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Luo
  • Patent number: 9564274
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element, having: an electrically-conductive support; a photoconductor layer having a semiconductor fine-particle layer adsorbed a dye; a charge transfer layer containing an electrolyte; and a counter electrode; which are provided on one side of the support in this order, in which the dye has at least one terdentate ligand having at least one acidic group; at least one ligand coordinating to a metal atom M has an sp2 carbon atom; a cyclic group binds to the sp2 carbon atom; a specific substituent R is substituted at an atom of ?- or ?-position to the atom of the cyclic group directly binding to the sp2 carbon atom; and with the metal atom M, an atom G1 of the ?- or ?-position, and an atom G2 of the substituent R, an angle ? (?MG1G2) is 150° or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Tani, Katsumi Kobayashi, Kimiatsu Nomura
  • Patent number: 9520441
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a back-illuminated imager which has a pinned back surface is disclosed. A first insulator layer is formed overlying a mechanical substrate. A conductive layer is deposited overlying the first insulator layer. A second insulator layer is formed overlying the conductive layer to form a first structure, an interface being formed between the conductive layer and the second insulator layer, the conductive layer causing band bending proximal to the interface such that the interface is electrically pinned. Hydrogen is implanted in a separate device wafer to form a bubble layer. A final insulator layer is formed overlying the device wafer to form a second structure. The first structure and the second structure are bonded to form a combined wafer. A portion of the combined wafer is removed underlying the bubble layer to expose a seed layer comprising the semiconductor material substantially overlying the second insulator layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: SRI INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Pradyumna Kumar Swain, David Jay Cheskis, Mahalingam Bhaskaran
  • Patent number: 9509029
    Abstract: A mediator-type photocell system is provided. The mediator-type photocell system includes a galvanic cell having a galvanic cell anode and a galvanic cell cathode; and a light capturing portion, including a light capturing cathode corresponding to the galvanic cell anode; and a light capturing anode electrically connected to the light capturing cathode via a conductive element, and corresponding to the galvanic cell cathode, wherein the galvanic cell cathode and the light capturing anode have a first mediator therebetween, the galvanic cell anode and the light capturing cathode have a second mediator therebetween, an oxide is generated to be provided to the galvanic cell cathode when the first mediator is illuminated, and a reducing substance is generated to be provided to the galvanic cell anode when the second mediator is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Bing-Joe Hwang, Wei-Nien Su, Chun-Jern Pan, Hung Ming Chen, Chia Feng Lee, Delele Worku, Wen-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 9509013
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material layer, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. At least one of the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer contains carbon dioxide and releases the carbon dioxide in the range of 0.1 ml to 10 ml per 1 g when heated at 350° C. for 1 minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Shinsuke Matsuno, Hiromichi Kuriyama, Hideki Satake, Takashi Kuboki
  • Patent number: 9469906
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for effecting a photocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic reaction of a reactant comprising contacting a metallic material having an electrical conductivity of 105 to 106 S/m with the reactant and exposing the metallic material and the reactant to visible light so as to catalyze the reaction of the reactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
    Inventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Xiaoxiang Xu, Chamnan Randorn
  • Patent number: 9359776
    Abstract: Walkable photovoltaic floor, constituted of pieces of laminated glass composed of at least two layers of glass (1 and 2), joined together by an encapsulant (6), by an intermediate layer of photovoltaic material (3), and by a peripheral sealed frame (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ONYX SOLAR ENERGY S.L.
    Inventors: Alvaro Felix Beltran Albarran, Teodosio Del Cano Gonzalez, Daniel Valencia Caballero, Jose Maria Jimenez Lopez, Leonardo Casado Delgado
  • Patent number: 9347141
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to a nanowire mesh solar fuels generator. In one aspect, a nanowire mesh solar fuels generator includes (1) a photoanode configured to perform water oxidation and (2) a photocathode configured to perform water reduction. The photocathode is in electrical contact with the photoanode. The photoanode may include a high surface area network of photoanode nanowires. The photocathode may include a high surface area network of photocathode nanowires. In some embodiments, the nanowire mesh solar fuels generator may include an ion conductive polymer infiltrating the photoanode and the photocathode in the region where the photocathode is in electrical contact with the photoanode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Peidong Yang, Candace Chan, Jianwei Sun, Bin Liu
  • Patent number: 9331217
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for Schottky junction solar cells. In one embodiment, a solar cell includes a mesh layer formed on a semiconductor layer and an ionic layer formed on the mesh layer. The ionic layer seeps through the mesh layer and directly contacts the semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, a solar cell includes a first mesh layer formed on a semiconductor layer, a first metallization layer coupled to the first mesh layer, a second high surface area electrically conducting electrode coupled to the first metallization layer by a gate voltage, and an ionic layer in electrical communication with the first mesh layer and the second high surface area electrically conducting electrode. In another embodiment, a solar cell includes a grid layer formed on a semiconductor layer and an ionic layer in electrical communication with the grid layer and the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Gabriel Rinzler, Pooja Wadhwa, Jing Guo, Gyungseon Seol
  • Patent number: 9205369
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a carbon dioxide adsorption and release device, which has high adsorptivity, and also consumes low energy upon adsorption and desorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michio Suzuka, Takeyuki Yamaki, Takashi Sekiguchi, Ryo Kamai
  • Patent number: 9208956
    Abstract: A light transmitting substrate having at least a light receiving surface, a first electrode located on the light transmitting substrate, a collector electrode located on at least a part of the first electrode and formed from a metal thin film, a photoelectric conversion portion located on an upper surface of the first electrode or the collector electrode, carrying a photosensitizer, and immersed in a carrier transport material, an insulating frame portion surrounding sides of the photoelectric conversion portion, and a second electrode located to be opposed to the first electrode above the photoelectric conversion portion are provided. Relation of Isc×Rh<0.05×Voc is satisfied, where Isc represents a short-circuit current value of a dye-sensitized solar cell, Rh represents a total value of electrical resistance values of the collector electrode, the first electrode, and the second electrode, and Voc represents an open circuit voltage value of the dye-sensitized solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Fukui, Ryoichi Komiya, Ryosuke Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9142358
    Abstract: Provided is a power storage device having a high discharge capacitance and a light-transmitting property. The power storage device includes a first current collector having a net-like planar shape; a first active material layer over the first current collector; a solid electrolyte layer over the first active material layer; a second active material layer over the solid electrolyte layer; and a second current collector over the second active material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazutaka Kuriki
  • Patent number: 9068941
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dye solution monitoring device and a dye solution controlling device for a dye-sensitized solar cell, more particularly, to a dye solution monitoring device for a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a light-absorption device for measuring absorbance of a dye solution for a dye-sensitized solar cell, and a pH measuring device for measuring pH of a dye solution for a dye-sensitized solar cell; and, a dye solution controlling device for a dye-sensitized solar cell further comprising a dye supply device supplying dye of high concentration, and an acid or base supply device for pH control, in addition to the monitoring device. According to the present invention, a dye adsorption process may be optimized in real time to manufacture a solar cell of high quality with high productivity, maximize utilization of expensive dye, and minimize the waste, thereby reducing production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: DONGJIN SEMICHEM CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chong-chan Lee, Yoon-Gil Yim
  • Patent number: 9056275
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide capture and release includes contacting a gas comprising carbon dioxide with a mixture comprising a precursor and a solvent and reducing the precursor to form a capture agent. The capture agent is reacted with the carbon dioxide to form a non-volatile species containing carbon dioxide. The non-volatile species is oxidized to regenerate the precursor and to release carbon dioxide. The mixture may be formed by combining the precursor and the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS, A BODY CORPORATE OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA ACTING FOR AN ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Daniel A. Buttry
  • Patent number: 8969593
    Abstract: Organic dyes and photoelectric conversion devices are provided. The Organic dye has the structure represented by formula (I), wherein, n is an integral of 2-11; the plurality of X is independent and elected from the group consisting of and combinations thereof; R, R1, and R2 comprise hydrogen, halogen, C1-18 alkyl group, C1-18 alkoxy group, C3-18 heteroalkyl group, C3-20 aryl group, C3-20 heteroaryl group, C3-20 cycloaliphatic group or C3-20 cycloalkyl group, or R1 is connected to R2 to form a ring having 5-14 members; R3 comprise hydrogen, halogen, nitro group, amino group, C1-18 alkyl group, C1-18 alkoxy group, C1-18 sulfanyl group, C3-18 heteroalkyl group, C3-20 aryl group, C3-20 heteroaryl group, C3-20 cycloaliphatic group or C3-20 cycloalkyl group; and Z is hydrogen, alkali metal, or quaternary ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yung-Liang Tung, Jia-Yin Wu, Jen-An Chen, Hsin-Yi Hsu, Chun-Guey Wu, Min-Fong Jhong, Song-Yeu Tsai
  • Publication number: 20150044524
    Abstract: A solar power generation method involves generating power by irradiating ionized hydrogen water, in which ortho hydrogen molecules or hydrogenated hydrogen with ion binding properties has been dissolved, with light that includes at least waves with a wavelength of 193 nm, and then generating a potential difference between the ionized hydrogen water and water containing cations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Taneaki Oikawa
  • Publication number: 20140170461
    Abstract: A mediator-type photocell system is provided. The mediator-type photocell system includes a galvanic cell having a galvanic cell anode and a galvanic cell cathode; and a light capturing portion, including a light capturing cathode corresponding to the galvanic cell anode; and a light capturing anode electrically connected to the light capturing cathode via a conductive element, and corresponding to the galvanic cell cathode, wherein the galvanic cell cathode and the light capturing anode have a first mediator therebetween, the galvanic cell anode and the light capturing cathode have a second mediator therebetween, an oxide is generated to be provided to the galvanic cell cathode when the first mediator is illuminated, and a reducing substance is generated to be provided to the galvanic cell anode when the second mediator is illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Bing-Joe Hwang, Wei-Nien Su
  • Patent number: 8609974
    Abstract: A system and method is presented that uses solar power driven expansion of an electrolytic solution to force the electrolytic solution from a container through at least one pore of an insulator having a fixed surface charge of one polarity into a collection receptacle. The velocities of the cations and anions flowing through the pore differ because of the fixed surface charge of the pore and this produces an electrical charge separation, the streaming potential, as a source of electrical power. Energy absorption spans the full solar spectrum including infrared, visible and near ultraviolet wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Michael E. Starzak
  • Patent number: 8586861
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell including: (a) a housing including an at least partially transparent cell wall having an interior surface; (b) an electrolyte, disposed within the cell wall, and containing an iodide based species; (c) a transparent electrically conductive coating disposed on the interior surface; (d) an anode disposed on the conductive coating, the anode including: (i) a porous film containing titania, the porous film adapted to make intimate contact with the iodide based species, and (ii) a dye, absorbed on a surface of the porous film, the dye and the porous film adapted to convert photons to electrons; (e) a cathode disposed on an interior surface of the housing, and disposed substantially opposite the anode; (f) electrically-conductive metallic wires, disposed at least partially within the cell, the wires electrically contacting the anode and the electrically conductive coating, and (g) a second electrically conductive coating including an inorganic binder and an inorganic electrically conductive fill
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3GSolar Photovoltaics Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Goldstein
  • Patent number: 8486551
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell unit, fuel cell unit array, fuel cell module and fuel cell system that can achieve a reduction in size and costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Micro Silitron Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ejike Okoye, Emenike Chinedozi Ejiogu, Sachio Matsui
  • Patent number: 8414758
    Abstract: A device for reducing carbon dioxide includes a cathode chamber including a cathode electrolyte solution and a cathode electrode, an anode chamber including an anode electrolyte solution and an anode electrode, and a solid electrolyte membrane. The anode electrode includes a nitride semiconductor region on which a metal layer is formed. The metal layer includes at least one of nickel and titanium. A method for reducing carbon dioxide by using a device for reducing carbon dioxide includes steps of providing carbon dioxide into the cathode solution, and irradiating at least part of the nitride semiconductor region and the metal layer with a light having a wavelength of 250 nanometers to 400 nanometers, thereby reducing the carbon dioxide contained in the cathode electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Yuka Yamada
  • Patent number: 8354584
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an enlarged dye sensitized solar cell which has a short-circuit preventing structure while a distance between a transparent conductive oxide and a counter electrode, that is, a cell gap is shortened. The dye sensitized solar cell includes a transparent conductive oxide which includes a transparent substrate and a conductive metal oxide having a light transmission property; a metal grid which is formed on the transparent conductive oxide; a protective film with which the metal grid is coated; a dye-adsorbed semiconductor thin film which is formed on the transparent conductive oxide in which the metal grid is not formed; and a counter electrode substrate, wherein a short-circuit preventing layer is provided in the counter electrode substrate facing the metal grid, and a width formed by a short side of the short-circuit preventing layer is larger than a width formed by the metal grid and protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshimoto, Hiroto Naito
  • Publication number: 20130008495
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a photoelectrode includes a semiconductor for photocarrier generation, and a catalyst layer for altering the reaction rate in an adjacent electrolyte. The catalyst layer covers part of the semiconductor. The thickness of the catalyst layer is less than 60% of its minority carrier diffusion distance. If the photoelectrode is a photoanode, it has an OEP that is more than the potential of the valance band edge but less than the potential of the Fermi level of the semiconductor. If it is a photocathode, it has an RHE potential that is less than the potential of the conduction band edge but more than the potential of the Fermi level of the semiconductor. The absolute value of difference (OEP minus potential of valence band edge, or RHE potential minus potential of conduction band edge) is greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.2V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kimin Jun, Joseph Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8299270
    Abstract: A gel-like or solid electrolyte containing (i) an electrolyte solution containing an electrolyte dissolved in an organic solvent, (ii) a lamellar clay mineral and/or an organically modified lamellar clay mineral and (iii) a polyvalent onium salt compound and a photoelectric transducer element and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsukasa Maruyama