Abstract: A method is presented for use in manufacture of a semiconductor device, such as a photovoltaic cell. The method comprises: providing a structure comprising a ZnO layer; applying a surface treatment to said structure for a certain time period to form a layer of ZnS on said ZnO layer; and depositing an active structure on said ZnS layer. The active structure may be a light absorbing structure, including a light absorbing semiconductor or a molecular light absorbing dye. The provision of the ZnS buffer layer between the ZnO layer and the active structure improves the device performance.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polycrystalline thin film of a transition metal chalcogenide of an orientation on a substrate which includes (a) depositing a layer of a transition metal material or mixtures thereof on the substrate; and (b) heating the layer in an open system in a gaseous reducing atmosphere containing one or more chalcogen materials for a time sufficient to allow the transition metal material and the chalcogen material to react and form the oriented polycrystalline thin film, the thin film being substantially exclusively oriented in the orientation. Also provided is a method of synthesizing structures of a transition metal chalcogenide selected from the group consisting of single layer or nested or stuffed inorganic fullerenes and nanotubes, including the step of reacting a transition metal compound with a volatile chalcogen compound in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature between about 750.degree. C. and about 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A system for storing electrical energy having a storage compartment containing a storage electrode made of tin, and further containing an alkaline sulfide solution containing tin in a soluble form.A battery made of a plurality of cells. Each of the cells is positioned within a container and separated by separating members adapted to slide within the container and includes a storage and a second compartment separated by a membrane. The membrane is adapted to compensate for volumetric variations within each of the compartments.A system comprising a plurality of electrolyte containing cells separated by separating members having orifices therein which permit fluid communication between the electrolyte of each of the cells.A battery made of a plurality of individual cells. Each of the cells comprises means for venting hydrogen generated in each of the cells.A method of assembling a battery made of a plurality of cells.

Abstract: A process for preparing the surface of a metal chalcogenide. The metal chalcogenide is immersed in a suitable electrolyte. The electrolyte is selected such that the metal chalcogenide is relatively stable therein in the dark, but unstable as a photoelectrode under illumination. The metal chalcogenide is connected to another electrode; and the electrode is immersed in the electrolyte. The metal chalcogenide is illuminated to photoetch the chalcogenide thereby improving the surface electronic properties of the semiconductor.A process for the surface treatment of metal chalcogenides including immersing the metal chalcogenide in an aqueous solution containing Zn and/or Cr ions.

Abstract: Process for forming a semiconductor finding use in solid state and PEC cells as a photoelectrode, comprising preparing a slurry of at least one semiconductor starting material used to form the semiconductor, a flux and a liquid vehicle; applying a layer of the slurry to an electrically conductive substrate; and annealing the layer. The semiconductor produced by the process and a photoelectrochemical cell including the semiconductor.

Abstract: An assembly comprising at least two semiconductor electrodes, each of the semiconductor electrodes having a positive and negative surface, and an electrolyte for electrically connecting the surfaces of opposite polarity of said semiconductor electrodes, the electrolyte comprising at least one redox couple capable of a reversible redox reaction with one of said surfaces of opposite polarity of said semiconductor electrodes whereby the composition of said electrolyte remains substantially unchanged as charge is passed between said electrodes.An electrolysis assembly for electrolyzing a liquid comprising an electrolysis compartment connected with the above assembly.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system comprising a Cd(Se,Te) alloy junction forming material.A process of preparing a thin layer of the alloy by electrodeposition and by application of a slurry of the alloy to a substrate which is then annealed at an elevated temperature.The junction forming material finds particular application in photoelectrochemical cell systems; particularly those containing S/S.sup.= electrolytes. Electrodes formed of the inventive materials exhibit increased efficiency and improved stability.

Abstract: A battery comprising a plurality of photoelectrochemical cells arranged in series in an envelope. Each of the cells comprises a photoelectrode, a counterelectrode, and an electrolyte. The photoelectrode and counterelectrode of each cell is attached to and forms an electrical contact with conductive means. The battery further comprises at least one separation means for separating each of the cells from one another so as to form a liquid-tight fit within the envelope whereby each of the cells is liquid tight. A method of assembling a battery comprising a plurality of photoelectrochemical cells in an envelope. The method comprises inserting a module within the envelope, filling the envelope with liquid, and inserting an additional module. The process is repeated until a battery having the desired number of cells is formed.

Abstract: A system comprising a photoelectro-chemical cell for converting light into electrical energy in combination with cooling means for cooling the cell.A method for generating electrical energy with a photoelectro-chemical cell comprising the step of cooling the cell.A method of reducing concentration polarization in photoelectro-chemical cells comprising at least two electrodes and an electrolyte. The method comprises the step of circulating the electrolyte by means of a thermosyphon.

Abstract: Novel devices for the direct conversion of visible light to electricity, termed Photo Electrochemical Cell (PEC), said PEC comprising as one electrode a semiconductor of the n- or p- type of suitably wide bandgap for efficient utilization of solar energy in combination with an additional electrode and an electrolyte comprising a chalcogenide redox couple; according to a preferred embodiment, the additional electrode being a storage electrode adapted to supply converted energy as electricity when the photoelectrode is not illuminated.