Patents by Inventor Yih W. Chen

Yih W. Chen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Stable N-CuInSe.sub.2 /iodide-iodine photoelectrochemical cell
    Patent number: 4559282
    Abstract: In a photoelectrochemical solar cell, stable output and solar efficiency in excess of 10% are achieved with a photoanode of n-CuInSe.sub.2 electrode material and an iodine/iodide redox couple used in a liquid electrolyte. The photoanode is prepared by treating the electrode material by chemical etching, for example in Br.sub.2 /MeOH; heating the etched electrode material in air or oxygen; depositing a surface film coating of indium on the electrode material after the initial heating; and thereafter again heating the electrode material in air or oxygen to oxidize the indium. The electrolyte is treated by the addition of Cu.sup.+ or Cu.sup.2+ salts and In.sup.3+ salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: David Cahen, Yih W. Chen