Abstract: A coating solution for forming a light-absorbing layer of a chalcopyrite solar cell, including a hydrazine-coordinated Cu chalcogenide complex, a hydrazine-coordinated In chalcogenide complex and hydrazine-coordinated Ga chalcogenide complex dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, the hydrazine-coordinated Cu chalcogenide complex being obtained by dissolving Cu or Cu2Se and a chalcogen in dimethylsulfoxide having hydrazine added, and adding a poor solvent to the resulting solution.

Abstract: This disclosure provides polymer electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells that can not only prevent electrolytes from leaking, but also exhibit a higher solar conversion efficiency when compared with conventional polymer electrolytes, whereby the polymer electrolytes are applicable to a process for manufacturing dye-sensitized solar cells with a large surface area or flexible dye-sensitized solar cells, and methods for manufacturing modules of dye-sensitized solar cells using the same.

Abstract: Provided are a newly developed dye-sensitizing type photoelectric conversion element employing a highly durable sensitizing dye, exhibiting high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and a solar cell fitted with the photoelectric conversion element. Also disclosed is a photoelectric conversion element comprising a compound represented by Formula (1) between a pair of facing electrodes.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element having a pair of electrodes, and a semiconductor layer comprising a semiconductor carrying a dye and an electrolyte layer is disclosed.

Abstract: A squarylium dye represented by formula (1): wherein A1 and B1 each independently represents a ring structure, and R1 and R2 each independently represents a substituent having a carbon number of 1 to 12.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide negative method of manufacturing renewable hydrogen and trapping carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams is described. Direct current renewable electricity is provided to a water electrolysis apparatus with sufficient voltage to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions at the cathode, and protons and oxygen at the anode. These products are separated and sequestered and the base is used to trap carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams as bicarbonate or carbonate salts. These carbonate salts, hydrogen, and trapped carbon dioxide in turn can be combined in a variety of chemical and electrochemical processes to create valuable carbon-based materials made from atmospheric carbon dioxide. The net effect of all processes is the generation of renewable hydrogen from water and a reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or in gas destined to enter the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrochemical cell comprising: a first conductive layer; a metal oxide layer formed on the first conductive layer, the metal oxide layer comprising a plurality of adjacent metal oxide cells, spaced from one another; a functional dye layer formed on the metal oxide layer; a second conductive layer; and an electrolyte between the functional dye layer and the second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent, and wherein the metal oxide layer is formed from a metal oxide particle dispersion liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion device sensitized by supporting a methine based dye represented by the following formula (1): (in the above formula, n represents an integer of 0 to 7; X and Y each represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted aromatic residue, an optionally substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon residue and the like. In addition, X and Y may combine together to form an optionally substituted ring. A1, A2 and A3 represent each independently an optionally substituted aromatic residue, an optionally substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon residue and the like. In addition, when n is other than 0, a plural number of A1 and/or A2 and/or A3 may form an optionally substituted ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photoelectric conversion devices, characterized by using oxide semiconductor particles sensitized with a methine dye represented by the Formula (1): (KA 1) (in the Formula (1), m represents 1 to 4; n1 represents 1 to 7; p1 represents 1 to 4; X1 represents an optionally substituted aromatic residue, an optionally substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon residue, a cyano group, a phosphoric acid group, a sulfonic acid group, or a carboxyl group, a carbonamide group, and the like; L1 represents an optionally substituted aromatic residue and the like; A1 and A2 each independently represent an optionally substituted aromatic residue, a hydroxyl group, a phosphoric acid group, a cyano group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom and the like; the ring a1 has 1 or a plurality of halogen atoms, amide groups, hydroxyl groups, cyano groups, nitro groups, alkoxy groups, acyl groups and the like.), and solar cells made by using the same.

Abstract: A particulate structure containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved electron-transferring property, a semiconductor electrode for a photoelectrochemical cell containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved electron-transferring property, an electrolytic solution for a photoelectrochemical cell containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved oxidation-reduction property, a reduction electrode for a photoelectrochemical cell containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved reduction property; and a photoelectrochemical cell applying at least one aspect above.

Abstract: The invention provides a photoelectric conversion element and a solar battery having the photoelectric conversion element each of which has a structure with a high carrier generating rate. Further, the invention provides a photoelectric conversion element and a solar battery having the photoelectric conversion element of which high energy converting efficiency. According to the invention, the photoelectric conversion element and the solar battery having the photoelectric conversion element are characterized in that a pair of electrodes sandwich a mixed layer including a charge generating layer and a charge acceptor layer. The charge generating layer is formed of a first organic compound and an inorganic compound. The charge acceptor layer is formed of a second organic compound.

Abstract: A battery device includes a photoelectric conversion device and a secondary battery. The photoelectric conversion device includes a first positive electrode, a first negative electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer provided between the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode, the photoelectric conversion layer including an inorganic semiconductor and a pigment. The secondary battery includes a second positive electrode, a second negative electrode, and an electrolyte layer provided between the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode. Here, one of a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair is adhered directly, the first electrode pair including the first and the second positive electrodes, and the second electrode pair including the first and the second negative electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoelectric conversion device, using oxide semiconductor fine particles sensitized with a methine dye represented by the following formula (1) and a solar cell using the same, and a solar cell high in conversion efficiency can be obtained at low cost: in the formula (1), n represents an integer of 0 to 7; R1 represents an optionally-substituted aromatic residue or optionally-substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon residue, or an acyl group; X represents an optionally-substituted hydrocarbon residue which has 2 to 4 carbon atoms; Y represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally-substituted aromatic residue or aliphatic hydrocarbon residue, a carboxyl group or the like, and preferably represents a carboxyl group; Z represents an optionally-substituted aromatic residue or aliphatic hydrocarbon residue, or an acyl group; A1, A2 and A3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally-substituted aromatic residue or aliphatic hydrocarbon residue or the like, and preferably represent

Abstract: The semiconductor photoelectrode of the present invention includes a metallic substrate having irregularities in a surface and a semiconductor layer which is formed on the surface of the metallic substrate and composed of a photocatalytic material. This can increase the light absorption efficiency and, furthermore, prevent recombination of charges.

Abstract: A structure comprising an array of semiconductor structures, an infill material between the semiconductor materials, and one or more light-trapping elements is described. Photoconverters and photoelectrochemical devices based on such structure also described.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element is disclosed, comprising a compound represented by the following formula between a pair of opposed electrodes: wherein Ar1, AR2 and Ar3 are each a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, x is an organic residue having an acidic group and n is an integer of 2 to 8. A solar cell comprising the photoelectric conversion element is also disclosed.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cell apparatus comprises a first electrode; photosynthetic material electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second electrode electrically connected to the photosynthetic material. The electrodes are able to harvest electrons from the photosynthetic material.

Abstract: A dye sensitized solar cell, comprising a-heteroleptic polypyridil complex of Ru, Os or Fe. The donating ligand has an extended conjugated n-system increasing the light absorbance and keeing the LUMO energy level higher than that of the anchoring ligand. A compacting compound whose molecular structure comprises a terminal group, a hydrophobic part and an anchoring? group may be co-adsorbed together with the dye on the semi-conductive metal oxide layer of the photoanode, forming a dense mixed self-assembled monolayer.

Abstract: A redox cell rebalance system is provided. In some embodiments, the rebalance system includes electrochemical cell and a photochemical cell. In some embodiments, the photochemical cell contains a source of ultraviolet radiation for producing HCl from H2 and Cl2 generated by the system. The HCl product may be collected or circulated back through the system for the rebalancing of electrolytes. A rebalance cell for use in a rebalance system is also provided. In some embodiments, the rebalance cell is the combination of an electrochemical cell and a photochemical cell. In some embodiments, a source of ultraviolet radiation is housed in the cathode compartment of the rebalance cell. In some embodiments, the source of ultraviolet radiation is used to effect the formation of HCl from H2 and Cl2 present in the rebalance cell. The HCl is dissolved in aqueous electrolytes contained in the rebalance cell, which can subsequently be circulated through a rebalance system for the rebalancing of redox cells.

Abstract: A method of producing a photoelectric conversion element, which the element contains an electrically conductive support, a photosensitive layer having porous semiconductor fine particles, a charge transfer layer; and a counter electrode, includes the steps of: applying a semiconductor dispersion liquid, in which the content of solids excluding semiconductor fine particles is 10% by mass or less based on the total amount of the dispersion liquid, on the support, to form a coating; heating the coating, to obtain porous semiconductor fine particles; and sensitizing the porous particles by adsorption of the following dye: wherein A represents a group of atoms necessary for forming a ring; at least one of Y1 and Y2 represents an acidic group and the other represents an electron-attracting group; D represents a dye residue; n represents 1 or a greater integer; L represents a single bond or divalent linking group; and Y3 represents an acidic group.

Abstract: A solar battery module substrate includes an insulating substrate on which a conductive pattern and an insulating protective film are formed, the conductive pattern including: cathode mounting terminals each of which is to be connected with a cathode of a solar battery cell; anode mounting terminals each of which is to be connected with an anode of the solar battery cell; and first module wiring, the first module wiring connecting a cathode mounting terminal to be connected with a cathode of one solar battery cell with an anode mounting terminal to be connected with an anode of another solar battery cell connected in series with said one solar battery cell, the insulating protective film having at least one opening for exposing the cathode mounting terminal and the anode mounting terminal, and the opening being positioned inside a portion of the solar battery module substrate on which portion the solar battery cell is to be projected.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing and storing electrical energy using iron complexes, using an iron +III molecular complex as well as a photoreduced iron +II complex, both complexed chemically by a ligand of the benzoic hydrazide type.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a first support, a first conductive layer, a porous photovoltaic layer containing a dye, a carrier transport layer and a second conductive layer stacked in this order, wherein the length of contact side of the porous photovoltaic layer closed to the first conductive layer is different from that of its confronted side of the porous photovoltaic layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting water to produce hydrogen having at least one photoelectrochemical cell. The photoelectrochemical cell includes at least one water permeable photoelectrode having a light sensitive, nano-crystalline catalytic material layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane, a metallic substrate disposed between the light sensitive nano-crystalline catalytic material layer and the polymer electrolyte membrane adjacent to the polymer electrolyte membrane layer, and at least one photovoltaic device connected in series to the light sensitive nano-crystalline material layer and disposed between the light sensitive nano-crystalline catalytic material layer and the metallic substrate layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye sensitized solar cell comprising an n-type semiconductor electrode containing a dye, an opposed electrode, and a gel electrolyte arranged between the n-type semiconductor and the opposed electrode and containing a gelling agent and an electrolyte that contains iodine, wherein the gelling agent contains a compound including an N-containing group and at least one atomic group selected from a group consisting of a sulfonic group and a carboxylic group.

Abstract: A method of making a compound of Formula I? comprises reacting a compound of the formula DLCHO, with a compound of the formula to produce the compound of Formula I?. Methods of using the compounds are also described, particularly as intermediates for the synthesis of porphyrin rods, which porphyrin rods are in turn useful for (among other things) the production of molecular memory devices.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrochemical cell comprises: a first conductive layer; a metal oxide layer provided on the first conductive layer, the metal oxide layer comprising a plurality of adjacent metal oxide cells, spaced from one another; a functional dye layer provided on the metal oxide layer; a second conductive layer; an electrolyte layer provided between the functional dye layer and the second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent; and wherein the functional dye layer is formed from an organic solvent ink.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell for converting a light source into electricity, including: (a) a housing for the photovoltaic cell, including: (i) an at least partially transparent cell wall; (b) at least one electrically-conductive element, disposed at least partially within the photovoltaic cell, for boosting collection of a current generated by the cell; (c) a conductive coating, electrically associated with the electrically-conductive element, and disposed on a surface within the photovoltaic cell; (d) an electrolyte, disposed within the cell wall, the electrolyte containing a redox species, and (e) a current collection element, disposed on a side of the cell wall, wherein the current collection element is electrically connected to the electrically-conductive element, so as to remove the current produced by the cell.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising an organic dye-sensitizing semiconductor fine particle thin film is prepared by using a dye having a barbituric acid structure as a partial structure and by adsorbing the dye on a semiconductor thin film electrode, and thereby a low-cost photoelectric conversion device having high conversion efficiency, and a solar cell using the device are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a titanium oxide-based polymer composition. The inventive composition comprises a TiOx(OH)y(H2O)z(x+y?+z=3) titanium oxide-based polymer in the form of a gel or sol. Said polymer, which has a one-dimensional (1D) structure, is made from concentrically-wound fibers having a periodicity which is deduced from the spacing between said fibers, of between 3.5 ? and 4 ?. Each fiber comprises TiO6octahedrons and each TiO6octahedron shares two opposite edges with two adjacent octahedrons (2.times.2.92 ?) in order to form infinite chains which develop along the axis of a fiber. According to the invention, two adjacent chains form double lines as a result of the shared edges (2.times.3.27 ?). The inventive polymer is suitable for use as a photosensitive element in a photovoltaic cell, such as a sunscreen for a window.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a material, and a solid electrolyte and a photovoltaic device using the same. When the material is used as a hole transporting layer material of the photovoltaic device, the reduction of an electrolytic layer resulting from leakage or volatilization of an electrolytic solution is prevented, thus the battery characteristics, long-term stability, and reliability of the photovoltaic device are improved.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate having a horizontal surface, and an electrode layer on the substrate. The electrode has a plurality of vertical surfaces substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface, and light-harvesting rods are coupled to the vertical surface of the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode comprising a non-conductive substrate, a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is disposed on the substrate and comprises indium tin oxide or fluorine-doped SnO2. The second layer is disposed on the first layer and comprises CoS. A process for preparing this electrode is also disclosed. Such an electrode is particularly useful in a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are an organic dye having a specific structure, a photoelectric conversion material containing the dye, a semiconductor electrode formed of a substrate having an electrically conductive surface, a semiconductor layer coated on the electrically conductive surface and the above dye adsorbed on the surface, and a photoelectric conversion device to which the above dye is applied. The present invention uses the above dye and can therefore provide a photoelectric conversion device excellent in photoelectric conversion efficiency, and the photoelectric conversion device is suitable for use in a solar cell or the like.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and conductive particles, an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and oxide semiconductor particles and optionally containing conductive particles, and an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and insulating particles are provided. Furthermore, a photoelectric conversion element comprising: a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye; a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode; and an electrolyte layer made of these electrolyte compositions is provided.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition for a dye-sensitized solar cell, a polymer electrolyte, a dye-sensitized solar cell employing the polymer electrolyte, and a method for preparing the same. The polymer electrolyte composition for a dye-sensitized solar cell includes: a mono-functional or multi-functional monomer having at least one ethylene glycol in a side chain; a photoinitiator; a lithium salt; and an organic solvent. The polymer electrolyte suppresses the volatilization of a redox electrolyte and provides stable photoelectrochemical properties against environmental changes, such as a rise in the external temperature of a solar cell. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes: first and second electrodes facing each other; a dye-adsorbed porous film interposed between the first and second electrodes; and the polymer electrolyte interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dye-sensitized solar cell has a high voltage and high photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Replacing liquid electrolytes with solid or quasi-solid electrolytes facilitates the production of photovoltaic cells using continuous manufacturing processes, such as roll-to-roll or web processes, thus creating inexpensive, lightweight photovoltaic cells using flexible plastic substrates.

Abstract: A highly energy efficient automobile that provides payload, safety and performance capacities similar to a comparable vehicle of a given vehicle class. The current invention is ideal for short to medium range urban and suburban driving. The current invention incorporates components in a unique and novel way, in which these components combine to form a system that produces an automobile that reduces overall air pollution while encouraging the commercialization of alternative energy sources. The current invention features an lightweight, low rolling resistance, digitally controlled and direct-drive electric propulsion system. A lightweight spaceframe with a suspension system provides a structure for mounting a low-aerodynamic-drag body system and other components. An intelligent power and thermal management system coupled with a removable auxiliary power module supplies the electrical energy required.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for improved efficiency in the collection of solar energy, in which an energy conversion device is provided that includes a first zone for converting received solar energy into thermal energy, the first zone having a Fresnel lens, and a heat absorption layer with heat collectors embedded therein. The energy conversion device also includes a second zone positioned at a lower level of first energy zone for converting received solar energy into electrical energy utilizing a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A method of activating a micro-cell in which the micro-cell includes a first compartment, a second compartment, a fluid in the first compartment, an element in the second compartment and a porous barrier separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The porous barrier, in a first state, is operable to prevent the fluid from entering the second compartment whereas the porous barrier, in a second state, is operable, in response to an event, to allow the fluid to enter the second compartment and interact with the element in the second compartment so as to generate an activation signal.

Abstract: A photocatalytic reactor, capable of generating an electric current by consumption of a fuel containing organic material, comprises a direct oxidation fuel cell including an anode and a cathode. The anode is a photocatalysis-assisted anode which comprises a photocatalyst on a surface of an electrically-conductive substrate so arranged as to be receptive to light. A light-transmissive proton-conductive membrane is arranged between the anode and the cathode, such that light passes through said membrane as a final stage in the optical path to the photocatalyst. The photocatalyst promotes oxidation of organic material and generates electron-hole pairs. The reactor, configured to support multiple cells in a stacked array, is provided with inlet(s) for introducing said fuel and connector(s) for connection to an external electrical circuit.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (1) includes an electrolyte container (3) containing an ionic liquid (2), and a partitioning membrane (4) dividing an interior of the electrolyte container (3) into two being a CO2 capturing chamber (7) and a CO2 releasing chamber (8), having side walls opposing each other, with the partitioning membrane (4) in between, either as a carbon electrode (5) and the other as a photoelectrode (6). A redox mediator (B) has different bonding forces to carbon dioxide, as it appears as an oxidant Box and a reductant Bred, of which that one which has a greater bonding force serves as an intermediary chemical species carrying carbon dioxide to one of the paired electrodes (5, 6). Over the CO2 releasing chamber (10), an upper wall portion (10) is formed, which has a CO2 take-out port (10A) formed therein, for making use of oxidation and reduction of the redox mediator to achieve separation and concentration of carbon dioxide, converting photo energy of sunlight into electric power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectrochemical (PEC) system for the production of hydrogen from water, which comprises (A) an electrolytic bath comprising an electrode for catalytic oxidation, an electrode for catalytic reduction, an ion separation film disposed between the two electrodes, and an aqueous electrolyte solution into which the two electrodes and the ion separation film are immersed, and (B) a photoelectrode positioned at the outside of the electrolytic bath and electrically connected to the two electrodes. The inventive PEC system is characterized by disposing a photoelectrode at the position which does not contact aqueous electrolyte solution, thus preventing the lowering of the photoelectrode activities, and maximizing the hydrogen production efficiency.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic cell includes contacting a cross-linking agent with semiconductor particles, and incorporating the semiconductor particles into the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A semiconductor film electrode using a specific organic dye sensitizer, a high efficiency dye-sensitized photovoltaic conversion element using the electrode, and a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical solar cell using the element are described. The semiconductor film electrode is characterized by including a semiconductor sensitized with an organic dye having a structure represented by the following formula (1): wherein Z represents a heterocyclic group which may have a substituent, L represents an electron attractive group, R1-R3 each represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent or adjacent two of R1-R3 are taken in combination to represent a ring, M represents a hydrogen atom or a salt-forming cation, and n is an integer of 0 to 3.

Abstract: A nanocomposite having enhanced energy conversion between thermal, electron, phonons, and photons energy states. The composition comprises a synergistic blend of nanoscale powders wherein the powders have nanoscale layered surface modifiers and a conductive medium. The powders and conductive medium are optionally altered through non-thermal modifiers and made into energy conversion devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye sensitized solar cell comprising an n-type semiconductor electrode containing a dye, an opposed electrode, and a gel electrolyte arranged between the n-type semiconductor and the opposed electrode and containing a gelling agent and an electrolyte that contains iodine, wherein the gelling agent contains a compound including an N-containing group and at least one atomic group selected from a group consisting of a sulfonic group and a carboxylic group.

Abstract: A solar cell comprising at least one electrode having a plurality of fingers. Specifically, an electrode comprising a planar surface and a plurality of fingers extending therefrom is provided. A second electrode is provided. The second electrode comprises a planar surface and may comprise a plurality of fingers which are interdigitated with the fingers of the first electrode. The second electrode provides a catalyst material for the electron transfer to an oxidant during the photovoltaic process. A semiconductor material is disposed between the electrodes. The semiconductor material is saturated with dye and injected with an electrolyte solution. The fingers are arranged to provide a reduced migration path for the oxidant through the electrolyte and for the electrons through the semiconductor material when exposed to incident light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organic dye-sensitized semiconductor device and to a solar cell using it and, particularly, to a photoelectric conversion device using semiconductor fine particles sensitized with a dye having an acrylic acid part and a solar cell using it. According to the present invention, a low-cost photoelectric conversion device having favorable conversion efficiency and a solar cell can be obtained.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising a semiconductor and an organic electrically conducting agent, wherein the organic electrically conducting agent exhibits a melting temperature Tm which is lower than the operation temperature of the photoelectric conversion device.