Organic Active Material Containing Patents (Class 136/263)
  • Molecular Assemblies and Multilayer Films for Photocurrent and Catalysis
    Publication number: 20150075621
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an assembly for harvesting light, comprising a first molecule joined to a second molecule through mutual coordination to an ion, and the first molecule is linked to a metal oxide surface having a high surface area. Such assemblies can form multilayer films, in other embodiments. The assemblies and multilayer films can harvest light to do useful chemistry, such as in a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell, or can convert the harvested light into electricity, such as in a dye-sensitized solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
    Inventors: Kenneth Hanson, Thomas J. Meyer
  • Organic solar cell and method of making the same
    Patent number: 8981214
    Abstract: An organic solar cell including a cathode and an anode, a photoactive layer disposed between the cathode and the anode, and a buffer layer between the photoactive layer and the cathode, wherein the cathode includes a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 Zn(1-x)MxO(1-y)Wy,??[Chemical Formula 1] and the buffer layer includes ZnO, and wherein in Chemical Formula 1, M is aluminum, gallium, indium, silicon, germanium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, or a combination thereof, W is fluorine, bromine, or a combination thereof, and x and y are each independently greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.1, provided that x and y are not simultaneously 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo-Ghang Ihn, Bulliard Xavier, Sung-Young Yun, Woong Choi, Tae-Sang Kim
  • Piezoelectric ultracapacitive photovoltaic cell
    Patent number: 8981213
    Abstract: A piezoelectric photovoltaic cell is disclosed. The cell may include a photovoltaic portion, including a sensitized semiconductor material. The cell may also include a piezoelectric portion, including a piezoelectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph A. Micallef
  • Transparent contacts organic solar panel by spray
    Patent number: 8980677
    Abstract: A method of fabricating organic solar panels with transparent contacts. The method uses a layer-by-layer spray technique to create the anode layer. The method includes placing the substrate on a flat magnet, aligning a magnetic shadow mask over the substrate, applying photoresist to the substrate using spray photolithography, etching the substrate, cleaning the substrate, spin coating a tuning layer on substrate, spin coating an active layer of P3HT/PCBM on the substrate, spray coating the substrate with a modified PEDOT solution, and annealing the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Jason Lewis, Jian Zhang, Xiaomei Jiang
  • Photovoltaic device
    Patent number: 8975511
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an active layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The active layer comprises a polyarylamine biscarbonate ester of Formula (I): wherein Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4, R, m, y, and n are as described herein. The photovoltaic device can be fabricated in an ambient environment and does not need significant processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Liang-Bih Lin, George Cunha Cardoso, Amanda Elizabeth Preske, Krishna Balantrapu
  • Tandem photovoltaic cells
    Patent number: 8975512
    Abstract: Tandem photovoltaic cells having a recombination layer, as well as related systems, methods, and components, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Brabec, Russell Gaudiana, Christoph Waldauf
  • PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL, METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL CONTAINING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20150059854
    Abstract: In a BHJ solar cell, a photoelectric conversion layer contains a condensed carbocyclic ring polymer (photoelectric conversion material). The condensed carbocyclic ring polymer is obtained by polymerizing monomers represented by the following general formulae (1) and (2) to prepare a polyphenylene and then reacting the polyphenylene. R1 to R6 in the general formula (1) independently represent a hydrogen atom or a solubilizing group, and the monomer represented by the general formula (1) exhibits a higher solubility in an organic solvent with the solubilizing group than without the solubilizing group. Ar in the general formula (2) represents an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic group, and R7 and R8 in the general formula (2) independently represent a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic group, a methyl group, or a silyl group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Tadahiro SHIBA, Kazuhiro MIURA
  • BENZOBIS(THIADIAZOLE) DERIVATIVE AND ORGANIC ELECTRONICS DEVICE COMPRISING SAME
    Publication number: 20150059853
    Abstract: A benzobis(thiadiazole) derivative represented by the formula (1): in which R represents a group containing at least one fluorine atom (with the proviso that fluorine atom (F) and trifluoromethyl group (—CF3) are excluded), and m represents an integer of from 1 to 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Shizuo Tokito, Daisuke Kumaki, Hidetaka Shima, Hiroyuki Oda, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Kazuaki Kakita, Toshikazu Machida, Yasuhiro Yoneda, Youji Omata, Tetsuro Shimano
  • Organic compound and solar cell using the same
    Patent number: 8969718
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an organic semiconductor excellent in the photoelectric conversion efficiency and also a solar cell using the same. This organic semiconductor has a polymer structure comprising a repeating unit represented by the following formula (I): -[A-D]- (I). In the formula, A is a structure represented by and D is a structure having a benzodithiophene skeleton or the like. In the above, R1 is independently H, a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain or branched-chain alkoxy group. The solar cell according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an active layer containing the organic semiconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroki Iwanaga, Akihiko Ono, Fumihiko Aiga
  • Organic dyes and photoelectric conversion devices
    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
  • Dye-sensitized solar cell and method of manufacturing same
    Patent number: 8962980
    Abstract: A method of readily forming a dye-sensitized solar cell having a porous layer of increased thickness. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a translucent substrate, and a plurality of collecting electrode traces formed on the translucent substrate. The solar cell also includes a trench that is trapezoidal in cross-section and is formed on the translucent substrate between the collecting electrode traces. The solar cell also includes a porous layer upon which a sensitizing dye is adsorbed. The porous layer covers the translucent substrate within the trench and the collecting electrode traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: LAPIS Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotaka Mori
  • Photovoltaic device
    Patent number: 8962994
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device is disclosed. The photovoltaic device includes a substrate, an anode, a cathode, two semiconducting layers, and an electron transporting layer. The first semiconducting layer comprises a first metallophthalocyanine. The second semiconducting layer includes a blend of a second metallophthalocyanine with an electron acceptor. The second semiconducting layer is located between the first semiconducting layer and the electron transporting layer. The first and second metallophthalocyanines have different valences. The complementary absorption profiles of these layers result in a device having greater absorption and efficiency than expected, without the need for a recombination layer or the need to match current between layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Klenkler, Avery P. Yuen, Nathan M. Bamsey
  • Compounds from Anisomeles Heyneana
    Publication number: 20150051277
    Abstract: The present invention describes use of compounds of formula 1 or 2 or their compositions for the treatment of leukemia and use of compound of formula 1 or its composition for treatment of infections caused due to M. tuberculosis. The invention further discloses use of compound of formula 3 for the conversion of solar energy into electric current in dye sensitized solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Swati Pramod Joshi, Roshan Rajan Kulkarni, Ketaki Dilip Shurpali, Sampa Sarkar, Dhiman Sarkar
  • ORGANIC SOLAR CELL AND METHODS THEREOF
    Publication number: 20150047710
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to photo voltaic cells that are more efficient and stable than conventional photo voltaic cells. The present disclosure also relates to process for preparing such photo voltaic cells, which is inherently low-cost, less complex and results in a stable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kavassery Sureswaran Narayan, Anshuman Jyothi Das
  • TITANIUM OXIDE PASTE
    Publication number: 20150047709
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a titanium oxide paste which is excellent in printability and which allows for production of a porous titanium oxide layer having a high porosity with a small amount of impurities on the surface thereof even by low-temperature firing, a method of producing a porous titanium oxide laminate using the titanium oxide paste, and a dye-sensitized solar cell. The titanium oxide paste of the present invention contains titanium oxide particles, a (meth)acrylic resin, and an organic solvent. The paste has a viscosity of 15 to 50 Pa·s and a thixotropic ratio of 2 or greater. A dried mass obtained by heating the paste at a temperature-increasing rate of 10° C./min from 25° C. to 300° C. in the atmospheric environment contains 1% by weight or less of the (meth)acrylic resin and the organic solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Taku Sasaki, Mayumi Horiki, Satoshi Haneda
  • ORGANIC-INORGANIC HYBRID PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150047708
    Abstract: An organic-inorganic hybrid photoelectric conversion device comprising: an inorganic photoelectric conversion device comprising an inorganic semiconductor; and an organic photoelectric conversion device which is connected in series to the inorganic photoelectric conversion device and is superimposed on the inorganic photoelectric conversion device, wherein the organic photoelectric conversion device comprises an active layer comprising an electron-accepting compound and an electron-donating compound and has an absorption edge at a wavelength shorter than that at which the inorganic photoelectric conversion device has. This photoelectric conversion device is capable of obtaining high open end voltage, and can be fabricated simply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasunori Uetani, Masahiko Hata
  • Method for fabricating photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cell
    Patent number: 8956910
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a photoanode for a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is provided. The method includes the following steps. A particle colloid is electrospun to form a first electrospun thin film layer on a substrate. The particle colloid includes titanium dioxide nanopartictes, a polymer material, a dispersing agent and a solvent. The first electrospun thin film layer is then sintered to form a main titanium dioxide layer. A photoanode manufactured by the method mentioned above is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Textile Research Institute
    Inventors: Yu-Chou Chao, Yun-Yun Chu
  • METHOD FOR PREPARING SOLAR PAINT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS FOR WINDOW PANES AND FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATES
    Publication number: 20150040976
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a room temperature process for the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Particularly, the invention discloses a room temperature process for preparing easily curable, binder free titania based solar paint that gives a high conversion efficiency to be used in fabrication of DSSCs at room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shruti Anil Agarkar, Vivek Vishnu Dhas, Subas Muduli, Satishchandra Balkrishna Ogale
  • 1,4-fullerene addends in photovoltaic cells
    Patent number: 8952249
    Abstract: 1,4 fullerene deriatives useful for solar cells are provided, where their structures allow for straightforward functionalizations to tune their properties in terms of solubility and LUMO energy levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Alessandro Varotto, Fred Wudl, Jang Jo
  • Organic semiconducting material and electronic component
    Patent number: 8951443
    Abstract: Organic semiconducting material comprising at least one matrix material and at least one doping material, wherein the doping material is selected from a [3]radialene compound, and wherein the matrix material is selected from a terphenyldiamine compound, as well as an organic component and a mixture for producing a doped semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignees: Novaled AG, Sensient Imaging Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Ansgar Werner, Sascha Dorok, Carsten Rothe, Michael Felicetti, Volker Lischewski, Mirko Tschunarjew
  • Dye-sensitized solar cell module and method of fabricating the same
    Patent number: 8952248
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell module is disclosed. The dye-sensitized solar cell module includes a solution capable of being selectively printed on only a desired region and used in the formation of a metal oxide film. The solution for the metal oxide film formation can be selectively printed on only the surface of metal oxide nano-particle without affecting the electrical conductivity of the electrode and a sealant interposed between transparent electrodes. Therefore, the dye-sensitized solar cell module can greatly improve the output efficiency. Moreover, the dye-sensitized solar cell module can prevent the output efficiency deterioration at an enlarged size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Hoon Joo, Seong Kee Park, Seung Hoon Ryu, Noh Jin Myung, So Mi Jeong
  • Photoelectric converter and solar cell using the same
    Patent number: 8952247
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion device having at least a fullerene derivative as an electron acceptor and a compound as an electron donor between a pair of electrodes, wherein the fullerene derivative has 2 to 4 organic groups which each independently have 1 to 50 carbon atoms, and wherein when the fullerene derivative has two organic groups, these organic groups do not bind to each other to form a ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Sato, Eiichi Nakamura, Takaaki Niinomi, Yutaka Matsuo, Masahiko Hashiguchi
  • DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20150034162
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell and a method for making the same allow for greatly broadening the light absorption wavelength range without using a metal complex dye, thereby achieving excellent photovoltaic characteristics. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a photoelectrode having a substrate, a transparent conductive layer on the substrate, and a metal oxide porous layer containing metal oxide particles on the transparent conductive layer. The metal oxide porous layer has sensitizing dyes adsorbed thereon. The sensitizing dyes include an organic cyanine dye and an indoline dye having an indoline structure. The organic cyanine dye and the indoline dye are supported by the metal oxide porous layer in a plurality of levels such that the organic cyanine dye is present in a higher concentration than the indoline dye on the surface of the metal oxide particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Sadakazu Hirose, Toshiyuki Okamoto, Miwa Matsune, Toru Yano, Hiroyuki Osada, Yohei Aoyama
  • ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTING COMPOUNDS FOR USE IN ORGANIC ELECTRONIC DEVICES
    Publication number: 20150034161
    Abstract: Organic molecule semi-conducting chromophores containing a halogen-substituted core structure are disclosed. Such compounds can be used in organic heterojunction devices, such as organic molecule solar cells and transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Arnold B. Tamayo, Corey V. Hoven, Thomas K. Wood, Braden Smith
  • Photovoltaic cell containing a polymer electrolyte
    Patent number: 8945430
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly obtainable by the in situ polymerization between two electrodes of one or more monomers to form a polymer, and then infusing an activating agent into the polymer, wherein the activating agent enables the membrane electrode assembly to function as a photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ITM Power (Research) Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald James Highgate, Nicholas Baynes, Rachel Louise Smith, Kris Hyde
  • DYE FOR PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150027542
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device that includes a work electrode, an opposed electrode, and an electrolyte-containing layer. In the work electrode, a metal oxide semiconductor layer supporting a dye is provided. The dye contains a cyanine compound that has a methine chain, an indolenine skeleton bonded with both ends of the methine chain, and anchor groups introduced to a nitrogen atom included in the indolenine skeleton. Electron injection efficiency to the metal oxide semiconductor layer is improved, and the dye is hardly exfoliated from the metal oxide semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ADEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junji TANABE, Atsushi MONDEN, Masahiro SHINKAI, Mitsuhiro OKADA, Toru YANO, Yohei AOYAMA, Yusuke KUBOTA
  • ORGANIC THIN FILM SOLAR CELL
    Publication number: 20150027540
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an organic thin-film solar cell that has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, little dispersion in the photoelectric conversion efficiency in a photoelectric conversion layer, and excellent durability. The present invention is an organic thin-film solar cell including a photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the photoelectric conversion layer includes a portion containing a sulfide of a Group 15 element in the periodic table and a portion containing an organic semiconductor having a molecular weight of less than 10,000, and the portion containing a sulfide of a Group 15 element in the periodic table and the portion containing an organic semiconductor having a molecular weight of less than 10,000 contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Akinobu Hayakawa, Kazushi Ito, Ren-de Sun
  • ELECTRONIC COMPONENT WITH MOISTURE BARRIER LAYER
    Publication number: 20150027541
    Abstract: Various embodiments may relate to an electronic component including a layer to be protected against moisture, and a moisture barrier layer arranged at least partly on or above and/or below the layer to be protected. The moisture bather layer includes a plurality of layers composed of the same material having different stoichiometric compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Baisl, Michael Popp, Tilman Schlenker, Erwin Lang, Evelyn Trummer-Sailer
  • Oxide Compounds as a Coating Composition
    Publication number: 20150027543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition consisting of an oxide compound. The invention also relates to a method for producing a coating composition consisting of an oxide compound and to a method for coating substrates composed of metal, semiconductor, alloy, ceramic, quartz, glass or glass-type materials with coating compositions of this type. The invention further relates to the use of a coating composition according to the invention for coating metal, semiconductor, alloy, ceramic, quartz, glass and/or glass-type substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Oral Cenk Aktas, Michael Veith, Sener Albayrak, Benny Siegert, Yann Patrick Wolf
  • METHOD OF MANUFACTURING DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL HAVING LIGHT ABSORPTION INCREASE MEANS AND THE SOLAR CELL
    Publication number: 20150027539
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell is provided. The solar cell includes a transparent substrate; a conductive transparent electrode formed on a surface of the transparent substrate; a metal oxide particle electrode layer in which a photosensitive dye capable of absorbing light is adsorbed; a counter electrode, and an electrolyte injected between the metal oxide particle electrode layer and the counter electrode. The metal oxide particle electrode layer comprises a first electrode layer comprising metal oxide particles and having a predetermined pattern formed thereon and a second electrode layer comprising metal oxide particles and formed on the first electrode layer. Refractive indexes of the first and second electrode layers are different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: MyeongKyu LEE, JeeYoung Lee
  • Electron donating polymer and organic solar cell including the same
    Patent number: 8941007
    Abstract: A polymer, and an organic solar cell including the polymer, include a repeating unit A represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a repeating unit B represented by Chemical Formula 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo-Ghang Ihn, Yeong-Suk Choi, Youn-Hee Lim, Bulliard Xavier, Sung-Young Yun, In-Sun Park, Yeon-Ji Chung
  • Apparatus and method for extending polyolefin containing photovoltaic panel life span
    Patent number: 8941006
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell containing at least one substrate, two electrode layers, an organic photovoltaic layer situated between the two electrode layers, and an oxygen scavenger composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William Gauthier
  • Dye for photoelectric conversion device, and photoelectric conversion film, electrode, and solar cell using same
    Patent number: 8941008
    Abstract: A photoelectric-conversion-device dye comprising a ruthenium metal complex, which includes a molecule including elemental phosphorous and the molecule forms a coordinate bond at least at the phosphorous atom, and which also includes a terpyridine derivative that forms a coordinate bond and has at least one adsorbing group that exhibits adsorptivity toward a metal oxide. The adsorbing group is selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid group, an ester thereof, or a salt thereof; a phosphonic acid group, an ester thereof, or a salt thereof; a hydroxyl group; an alkoxy group; and a sulfonic acid group or salt thereof. The dye exhibits absorption over a wide range from the visible light region to the near-infrared region, and as a result, a photoelectric conversion film, an electrode, and a solar cell having improved photoelectric conversion efficiency are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: The University of Tokyo, Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Segawa, Takumi Kinoshita, Jun-ichi Fujisawa, Jotaro Nakazaki, Satoshi Uchida, Takaya Kubo
  • Dye-sensitized solar cell module and method of producing the same
    Patent number: 8933328
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell module comprising: a plurality of electrically series-connected solar cells having a first conductive layer formed on an insulating substrate; a photoelectric conversion device formed on the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer formed on the photoelectric conversion device, wherein the photoelectric conversion device has a photoelectric conversion layer having a porous semiconductor layer adsorbing a dye, a carrier transporting layer and a catalyst layer and the dye-sensitized solar cell module is characterized in that the second conductive layer of the above-described one solar cell contacts the first conductive layer of an adjacent another solar cell and the photoelectric conversion device of the above-described adjacent another solar cell contacts the second conductive layer of the above-described one solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryohsuke Yamanaka, Nobuhiro Fuke, Atsushi Fukui
  • Deposition and post-processing techniques for transparent conductive films
    Patent number: 8932898
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for fabrication of a semitransparent conductive mesh. A first solution having conductive nanowires suspended therein and a second solution having nanoparticles suspended therein are sprayed toward a substrate, the spraying forming a mist. The mist is processed, while on the substrate, to provide a semitransparent conductive material in the form of a mesh having the conductive nanowires and nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are configured and arranged to direct light passing through the mesh. Connections between the nanowires provide conductivity through the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior Univerity
    Inventors: Mark Greyson Christoforo, Saahil Mehra, Alberto Salleo, Peter Peumans
  • Photoelectric conversion element and imaging device
    Patent number: 8933319
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes: an electrically conductive thin layer; an organic photoelectric conversion layer containing a compound having a partial structure represented by formula (I) and a fullerene or a fullerene derivative; and a transparent electrically conductive thin layer: X represents O, S or N—R10, R10 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, Rx and Ry represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, with at least one representing an electron-withdrawing group, Rx and Ry may combine to form a ring, R represents a bond (—), a hydrogen atom or a substituent, with at least one being the bond, nr represents an integer of 1 to 4, R's may be the same or different when nr is 2 or more, and R's at the 2- and 3-positions or R's at the 5- and 6-positions may combine with each other to form a ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Mitsui, Kimiatsu Nomura, Tetsu Kitamura
  • Maleimide-based compound, and tautomer or stereoisomer thereof, dye for photoelectric conversion, and semiconductor electrode, photoelectric conversion element and photoelectrochemical cell using the same
    Patent number: 8933329
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a maleimide-based compound having excellent photoelectric conversion characteristics, and a tautomer or a stereoisomer thereof, a dye for photoelectric conversion, a semiconductor electrode, a photoelectric conversion element, and a photoelectrochemical cell. In order to accomplish the above-described objects, a dye for photoelectric conversion including at least one compound represented by the following general formula (1) is provided. (In the formula (1), R1 represents a direct bond, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group. X represents an acidic group. D represents an organic group containing an electron-donating substituent. Z represents a linking group that has at least one hydrocarbon group selected from aromatic rings or heterocyclic rings).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Maeda, Shin Nakamura, Kentaro Nakahara
  • POLYMER SOLAR CELL WITH NANOPARTICLES
    Publication number: 20150007891
    Abstract: A polymer solar cell is disclosed, which comprises: a substrate, made of a transparent glass material; a transparent bottom electrode, disposed on the substrate; a hole transport layer, arranged on the bottom electrode by the use of a solution process, such as spin coating or spray printing; and an active layer, arranged on the hole transport layer and provided to be doped with a trace concentration of nanoparticles, that is acting as additives; wherein, after being doped with the nanoparticles and treated by an annealing treatment, the power conversion efficiency of the active layer is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: WEI-FANG SU, HSUEH-CHUNG LIAO, TSUNG-HAN LIN, CHIH-MIN CHUANG
  • Semiconducting compounds and devices incorporating same
    Patent number: 8927971
    Abstract: Disclosed are semiconducting compounds having one or more phthalimide units and/or one or more head-to-head (H-H) substituted biheteroaryl units. Such compounds can be monomeric, oligomeric, or polymeric, and can exhibit desirable electronic properties and possess processing advantages including solution?processability and/or good stability at ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: Mark D. Watson
  • COMPOSITION FOR ORGANIC THIN FILM, ORGANIC THIN FILM, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE ORGANIC THIN FILM
    Publication number: 20150000744
    Abstract: A composition for an organic thin film may include a first compound having a linear alkylene oxide moiety and a haloalkyl moiety, and a second compound having conductivity and being capable of controlling a work function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicants: CHEIL INDUSTRIES INC., SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Sun PARK, Hyung Rang MOON, Jin Min CHEON, Dal-Ho HUH, Jong Hwan PARK, Sung Young YUN, Yeong Suk CHOI
  • REDOX-ACTIVE STRUCTURES AND DEVICES UTILIZING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20150007371
    Abstract: A device is presented having reversibly changeable and optically readable optical properties. The device comprises a substrate having an electrically conductive surface and carrying a redox-active layer structure. The redox-active layer structure may be a monolayer or a multi-layer structure and is configured to have at least one predetermined electronic property including at least one of electrodensity and oxidation state. The electronic property of the layer structure defines an optical property of the structure thereby determining an optical response of the structure to certain incident light. This at least one electronic property is changeable by subjecting the redox-active layer structure to an electric field or to a redox-active material. The device thus enables effecting a change in said electronic property that results in a detectable change in the optical response of the layer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Milko E. VAN DER BOOM, Atindra D. SHUKLA, David ROSENBLATT, Tarkeshwar GUPTA
  • ORGANIC THIN FILM SOLAR CELL
    Publication number: 20150000745
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an organic thin-film solar cell that has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency and excellent durability. The present invention relates to an organic thin-film solar cell including a photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the photoelectric conversion layer includes a portion containing a sulfide of a Group 15 element in the periodic table and a portion containing a donor-acceptor organic semiconductor, and the portion containing a sulfide of a Group 15 element in the periodic table and the portion containing a donor-acceptor organic semiconductor are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Akinobu Hayakawa, Kazushi Ito, Ren-de Sun
  • Copolymer, organic solar cell using the same and manufacturing method thereof
    Patent number: 8921506
    Abstract: A copolymer includes a first unit and at least two units different from the first unit. An organic solar cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode opposite the first electrode, and one or more organic material layers interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and including a photoactive layer, and one or more of the organic material layers include the copolymer. A method for fabricating an organic solar cell includes preparing a substrate, forming a first electrode on a region of rear sides of the substrate, forming on the first electrode an organic material layer containing the copolymer, and forming a second electrode on the organic material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiho Park, Gang-Young Lee, Minjeong Im, Seulki Song, Jinseck Kim, Jaechol Lee, Hangken Lee, Songrim Jang, Keun Cho
  • Electrolyte system
    Patent number: 8920669
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolyte systems and electrochemical cells comprising conductive salts having different anionic and/or cationic radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schmidt, Guenter Semrau
  • Dye-sensitized solar cell
    Patent number: 8921689
    Abstract: There is provided a dye-sensitized solar cell high in power generation efficiency. A dye-sensitized solar cell 10 includes: a transparent substrate 12; a conductive substrate 14; a porous semiconductor layer 16 containing a dye adsorbed thereto; and a conductive metal layer 18 arranged in contact with a side of the porous semiconductor layer 16 opposite to the transparent substrate 12 and serving as an anode electrode. The conductive metal layer 18 is formed of a metallic porous body having through-holes, and a multitude of holes of the metallic porous body are isotropically communicated with one another. The metallic porous body has a specific surface area of 0.1 m2/g or larger, a porosity of 30 to 60 vol. %, and a pore diameter of 1 ?m to 40 ?m, and is formed of a metal material, such as Ti, W, Ni, Pt or Au.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumikin Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kohno, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi
  • METHOD FOR RE-DYEING DYE SENSITISED SOLAR CELLS
    Publication number: 20140373921
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of dye sensitised solar cells and discloses a method for multiple desensitising and re-dyeing, including partial desensitisation and multiple re-dyeing with single or mixed dyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: BANGOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Peter James Holliman, Kareem Jumaah Jibrael Al-Salahi, Matthew Davies
  • PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
    Publication number: 20140373916
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a photovoltaic device for converting solar power into electric power, the photovoltaic device including a first electrode; a second electrode; an organic photoactive region in between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an interface stabilizing region in between the organic photoactive region and one of the first electrode or the second electrode; wherein the interface stabilizing region is selected from at least one of a non-conjugated organic material, a non-conjugated metalloorganic compound, and a non-alkali metal halide inorganic metal compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hany AZIZ, Yichun LUO, Qi WANG
  • BIOCHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION CELL
    Publication number: 20140373920
    Abstract: Presented herein is a voltaic cell containing light harvesting antennae or other biologically-based electron generating structures optionally in a microbial population, an electron siphon population having electron conductive properties with individual siphons configured to accept electrons from the light harvesting antennae and transport the electrons to a current collector, an optional light directing system (e.g., a mirror), and a regulator having sensing and regulatory feedback properties for the conversion of photobiochemical energy and biochemical energy to electricity. Also presented herein is a voltaic cell having electricity-generating abilities in the absence of light. Also presented herein is the use of the voltaic cell in a solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Emily A. Stein
  • POLYER CONTAINING THIOPHENE-BENZENE-THIOPHENE UNIT, PREPARATION METHOD THEREFOR AND SOLAR CELL DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140366947
    Abstract: A polymer containing thiophene-benzene-thiophene unit has the following formula: R1 represents C1 to C20 alkyl, R2 represents C1 to C20 alkyl, n is an integer from 10 to 100. An energy gap of the polymer containing thiophene-benzene-thiophene unit is narrow, and therefore the power conversion efficiency is improved greatly. A method of preparing the polymer containing thiophene-benzene-thiophene unit and a solar cell device using the polymer containing thiophene-benzene-thiophene unit are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mingjie Zhou, Ping Wang, Zhenhua Zhang, Xiaoming Feng
  • ORGANIC THIN FILM SOLAR CELL
    Publication number: 20140366948
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an organic thin-film solar cell that has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency and excellent durability. The present invention is an organic thin-film solar cell including a photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the photoelectric conversion layer includes a portion containing a sulfide of a Group 15 element in the periodic table and an organic semiconductor portion contacting with each other, and the organic semiconductor portion comprises an organic semiconductor, the organic semiconductor comprising a polythiophene derivative, a phthalocyanine derivative, a naphthalocyanine derivative, or a benzoporphyrin derivative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinobu Hayakawa, Kazushi Ito, Ren-de Sun