Abstract: Disclosed is an aggregate of metal oxide fine particles having fine pores whose size frequency distribution has a plurality of peaks. Disclosed also is a method preferably used for producing the aggregate of metal oxide fine particles. The method comprises a step of reacting a precursor of a metal oxide with a compound interacting with the precursor in a solvent to yield metal oxide fine particles. Also disclosed are a photosensitive semiconductor comprising a substrate, and a metal oxide porous body having fine pores whose size frequency distribution has a plurality of peaks and a method preferably used for manufacturing the photosensitive semiconductor electrode. This photosensitive semiconductor electrode has a high energy conversion efficiency and is preferably used in a photoelectric converter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a photo-semiconductive electrode that has a high light-to-electricity conversion efficiency and excellent stability and can be prepared economically and easily, and a photo-electric cell using the photo-semiconductive electrode. The photo-electric cell comprises a photo-semiconductive electrode having an electroconductive base and a light-to-electricity conversion layer formed thereon, and a counter electrode, such that the photo-semiconductive electrode and the counter electrode contact an electrolyte, wherein the light-to-electricity conversion layer holds an organic pigment. In the photo-electric cell, the photo-semiconductive electrode and the counter electrode are used integrally and disposed so that these electrodes contact the electrolyte. The organic pigment suited for use in the layer is selected from the group consisting of: phthalocyanine pigment such as titanyl phthalocyanine, chlorogallium phthalocyanine and hydroxygallium phthalocyanine; and naphthalocyanine pigments.

Abstract: The photo-semiconducting electrode of the present invention comprises a semiconducting substrate, a chemically adsorbed film formed thereon composed of at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by the formulas: formulas (I) R.sup.1 M.sup.1 Y.sub.1.sub.3, (II) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1.sub.2, (III) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1 and (IV) R.sup.1 --SH, respectively, and a dye which is fixed to the surface of the chemically adsorbed film and has a functional group capable of reacting with a halogen atom. Because of this, the photo-semiconductor electrode of the present invention is capable of efficiently absorbing solar light and performing energy conversion and superior in photoelectric conversion efficiency, stability and durability. In addition, it can be easily produced.