Responsive To Light Patents (Class 429/111)
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Patent number: 7115338Abstract: A positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte intervening between the positive electrode and the negative electrode are employed, and a molecule capable of being excited due to absorption of light and electrochemically oxidizing carbohydrate is provided at at least either the negative electrode or the electrolyte, with production of electromotive force occurring between the positive electrode and the negative electrode as a result of supply of carbohydrate while the molecule is irradiated with light and oxidization of carbohydrate by the molecule at the negative electrode. This method makes it possible for the chemical energy which carbohydrates possess to be directly utilized as electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Sotomura
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Patent number: 7087831Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising at least an electron acceptive charge transfer layer, an electron donative charge transfer layer, and a light absorption layer existing between the charge transfer layers, wherein either one of the charge transfer layers comprises a semiconductor acicular crystal layer comprising an aggregate of acicular crystals or a mixture of an acicular crystal and another crystal, and a method of producing the device are disclosed. Consequently, a photoelectric conversion device being capable of smoothly carrying out transfer of electrons and having high photoelectric conversion efficiency is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tohru Den, Hiroshi Okura
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Patent number: 7019138Abstract: This present invention provides a metal-ligand complex and methods for using and preparing the same. In particular, the metal-ligand complex of the present invention is of the formula: La-M-Xb where L, M, X, a, and b are those define herein. The metal-ligand complexes of the present invention are useful in a variety of applications including as electron-transfer mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells and related photoelectrochromic devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignees: Colorado State University Research Foundation, The University of FerraraInventors: C. Michael Elliott, Shawn A. Sapp, Carlo Alberto Bignozzi, Cristiano Contado, Stefano Caramori
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Patent number: 7019209Abstract: A dye sensitized solar cell having a structured electrode. Specifically, a structured electrode is formed using a conductive material. The conductive material is hollowed to create a cavity therethrough. The hollowed conductive material forms a structured electrode which is coupled between two planar electrodes. Insulative layers are implemented to provide electrical separation between the structured electrode and each of the planar electrodes. A dye sensitized semiconductor material and an electrolyte solution are present in the cavity of the structured electrode to provide the presently described solar cell having a structured electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James L. Spivack, Harish R. Acharya
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Patent number: 6998693Abstract: Electron-hole production at a Schottky barrier has recently been observed experimentally as a result of chemical processes. This conversion of chemical energy to electronic energy may serve as a basic link between chemistry and electronics and offers the potential for generation of unique electronic signatures for chemical reactions and the creation of a new class of solide state chemical sensors. Detection of the following chemical species was established: hydrogen, deuterium, carbon monoxide, molecular oxygen. The detector (1b) consists of a Schottky diode between an Si layer and an ultrathin metal layer with zero force electrical contacts.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Adrena, Inc.Inventors: Eric W. McFarland, Henry W. Weinberg, Hermann Nienhaus, Howard S. Bergh, Brian Gergen, Arunava Mujumdar
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Patent number: 6924427Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to various aspects of the use of one or more wires in conjunction with an adhesive strip to serve as an electrically conductive connector between the photoactive layers of a photovoltaic cell or module.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Eckert, Russell Gaudiana, Lian Li, Alan Montello, Edmund Montello
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Patent number: 6916982Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compounds, and compositions for the synthesis of light harvesting arrays, such arrays comprising: (a) a first substrate comprising a first electrode; and (b) a layer of light harvesting rods electrically coupled to said first electrode, each of said light harvesting rods comprising a polymer of Formula I: X1?Xm+1)m??(I) wherein m is at least 1; X1 is a charge separation group, and X2 through Xm+1 are chromophores. At least one of X2 through Xm+1 has at least one perylene group coupled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Robert S. Loewe, Kin-ya Tomizaki, Jonathan S. Lindsey
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Patent number: 6913735Abstract: A methane or methanol producing system is proposed in which laser beams are generated in space by excitation of sunlight, transmitted onto land or sea without loss to obtain optical energy with high efficiency, and irradiated on a hydrogen producing device to produce industrially inexpensive hydrogen with high efficiency, thereby producing methane or methanol. A laser generating device for generating laser beams by exciting radiant light in laser rods by irradiation of sunlight is installed in space. The laser beams generated are transmitted to a light-receiving facility on land or on sea, and irradiated on a hydrogen generating device having a semiconductor electrode with a wavelength suitable for absorbing by the semiconductor electrode or by converting or shifting to a suitable wavelength. Using the hydrogen, methane or methanol is produced by a methane or methanol producing unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignees: Institute for Laser Technology, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: Kazuo Imasaki, Masahiro Mori, Hiroyuki Nagayama
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Patent number: 6913713Abstract: Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kethinni Chittibabu, Robert Eckert, Russell Gaudiana, Lian Li, Alan Montello, Edmund Montello, Paul Wormser
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Patent number: 6911595Abstract: A charge transfer material comprising a basic compound having negative charge and represented by the following general formula (I): (A1-L)n1-A2·M??(I), wherein A1 represents a group having negative charge; A2 represents a basic group; M represents a cation for neutralizing the negative charge of (A1-L)n1-A2; L represents a divalent linking group or a single bond; and n1 represents an integer of 1 to 3. A photoelectric conversion device and a photo-electrochemical cell comprising the charge transfer material. A new nonvolatile pyridine compound, which is a low-viscosity liquid at room temperature, is preferably used for A2.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Yoshikawa, Chang-yi Qian
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Patent number: 6900382Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kethinni Chittibabu, Savvas Hadjikyriacou
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Patent number: 6864415Abstract: A photoelectric cell that includes a first insulating base, having on its surface a first electrode layer, which has on its surface a metal oxide semiconductor film, which includes anatase titanium oxide particles, on which a photosensitizer is absorbed and a second insulating base having on its surface a second electrode layer and an electrolyte sealed between the metal oxide semiconductor film and the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are arranged opposite from each other. At least one of the first and second insulating bases with an electrode layer is transparent.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Catalysts & Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuguo Koyanagi, Michio Komatsu, Hirokazu Tanaka, Katsuhiro Shirono
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Patent number: 6849797Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a first substrate having on its surface a first electrode layer having on its surface a semiconductor film on which a photosensitizer is adsorbed, and a second substrate having on its surface a second electrode layer. The first and second substrates are arranged so that the first electrode layer overlaid with the semiconductor film and the second electrode layer are opposite each other with an electrolyte disposed therebetween. Spacer particles are interposed between the semiconductor film and the second electrode layer, and at least one of the electrode-layer-having substrates is transparent. A coating liquid for forming the semiconductor film includes both a component for forming the semiconductor film as well as the spacer particles, dispersed in a dispersion medium.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Catalysts & Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuguo Koyanagi, Michio Komatsu
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Publication number: 20040221888Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a transparent conductive layer, a porous semiconductor layer on which a dye sensitizer is adsorbed, a carrier transport layer and an counter electrode which are formed in this order on a transparent substrate,Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Fukui, Liyuan Han
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Patent number: 6812399Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is described, having a photoactive layer (4) made of two molecular components, namely an electron donor and an electron acceptor, particularly a conjugated polymer component and a fullerene component, and having two metallic electrodes (2, 6) provided on both sides of the photoactive layer (4). In order to provide advantageous construction conditions, it is suggested that an intermediate layer (5) made of a conjugated polymer, which has doping corresponding to the electrode potential and, in regard to the electron energy, has a band gap between the valence band and the conduction band of at least 1.8 eV, be provided between the photoactive layer (4) and at least one electrode (2,6).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: QSEL-Quantum Solar Energy Linz Forschungs-Und Entwick-Lungs-GesellschInventors: Sean Shaheen, Christoph Brabec, Thomas Fromherz, Franz Padinger, Sedar Sariciftci, Erhard Gloetzl
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Publication number: 20040163700Abstract: The present invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell of high safety, of improved ionic conductivity, and, therefore, of excellent cell performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.Inventors: Keiichiro Mizuta, Junichi Nakamura
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Patent number: 6768047Abstract: An autonomous solid state lighting system has a charge mode which collects energy and produces electric power with a solid state energy source, converts the voltage of the electric power using a bi-directional power converter, and stores the power in an energy storage device. A discharge mode draws electric power from the energy storage device, converts the voltage of the electric power using the bi-directional power converter, and produces light from a solid state light source. A controller controls the charge and discharge modes. In one embodiment, the solid state energy source can be a solar cell panel, the solid state light source can be an LED module, and the energy storage device can be a battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Chin Chang, Gert W. Bruning
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Patent number: 6756537Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell including a polymer electrolyte gel having a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer is provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a semiconductor electrode, an opposed electrode, and a polymer electrolyte gel interposed between the semiconductor electrode and the opposed electrode while including poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer or the copolymer thereof. Here, the polymer electrolyte gel is formed of a N-methy-2-pyrrolidone solvent or a 3-methoxypropionitrile (MP) solvent and the PVDF polymer or the copolymer thereof which is dissolved in the solvent to a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Man-Gu Kang, Nam-Gyu Park, Kwang-Man Kim, Soon-Ho Chang
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Publication number: 20040112420Abstract: A dye sensitized solar cell having a structured electrode. Specifically, a structured electrode is formed using a conductive material. The conductive material is hollowed to create a cavity therethrough. The hollowed conductive material forms a structured electrode which is coupled between two planar electrodes. Insulative layers are implemented to provide electrical separation between the structured electrode and each of the planar electrodes. A dye sensitized semiconductor material and an electrolyte solution are present in the cavity of the structured electrode to provide the presently described solar cell having a structured electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: James L. Spivack, Harish R. Acharya
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Publication number: 20040115858Abstract: A solar cell having foil electrodes. Specifically, a metal foil is implemented to form electrodes providing a reduced electron path from a dye-sensitized semiconductor material to the electrodes. In one embodiment, nanowires extending from the substrate on which the solar cell is formed are provided. In another embodiment, cavities are formed in a sheet of conductive foil by oxidation, thereby forming a semiconductive material. The semiconductive material is sensitized with a dye and an electrolyte solution is disposed in the cavities, thereby forming an array of dye-sensitized solar cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: James L. Spivack, John Yupeng Gui, Reed Roeder Corderman
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Publication number: 20040112421Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: James L. Spivack, Harish R. Acharya, Donald F. Foust
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Publication number: 20040099303Abstract: Method for manufacturing sealed monolithic electrochemical systems, which method comprises the following method steps:Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Henrik Pettersson, Tadeusz Gruszecki
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Publication number: 20040099306Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Kohjirou Hara, Kazuhiro Sayama, Hirononri Arakawa, Sadaharu Suga, Akira Shinpo, Yasuyo Ooga, Hajime Kusano
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Patent number: 6720202Abstract: Improved photovoltaic cells utilizing for a semiconductor layer, titanium dioxide powders, consisting of porous particles, ranging in size from 0.1 to 10 microns (10−6 meters), and possess relatively high bulk density combined with high surface area.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Ying Wang
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Patent number: 6706963Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides photovoltaic modules. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, at least two of which include a photosensitized nanomatrix layer and a charge carrier media. Preferably, the cells further include a catalytic media layer. The photovoltaic cells are disposed between a first electrical connection layer and a second electrical connection layer. In one embodiment, the cells are interconnected in series and the electrical connections layers each include conductive and insulative regions.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Russell Gaudiana, Lian Li
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Patent number: 6700058Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Sony International (Europe) GmbHInventors: Gabriele Nelles, Akio Yasuda, Hans-Werner Schmidt, Thelakkat Mukundan, Haridas R. Karickal, Donal Lupo
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Publication number: 20040025933Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kethinni Chittibabu, Savvas Hadjikyriacou
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Publication number: 20040025934Abstract: A polymeric linking agent enables the manufacture of photovoltaic cells on flexible substrates, including, for example, polymeric substrates. Photovoltaic cells may be fabricated by a relatively simple continuous manufacturing process, for example, a roll-to-roll process, instead of a batch process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kethinni Chittibabu, Russell Gaudiana
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Patent number: 6683244Abstract: A solar cell including a first electrode, a second electrode arranged opposite to the first electrode, an electron transport layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, a dye layer D which is in contact with the electron transport layer, a hole transport layer arranged between the electron transport layer and the second electrode and being in contact with the dye layer D, and a barrier layer, and these elements are provided on a substrate. The barrier layer prevents or suppresses short-circuit between the first electrode and the hole transport layer. The porosity of the barrier layer is made smaller than that of the electron transport layer. The barrier layer is formed into a film-like shape and arranged between the first electrode and the electron transport layer. The solar cell can accomplish excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency by the provision of such a barrier layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yuji Fujimori, Tsutomu Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6664462Abstract: A metal complex having a &bgr;-diketonate represented by the following formula (1): wherein M represents a metal atom of the VIII group, R1, R2 and R3 represent a group or an atom selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an alkoxy group, a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; X−1 represents an ion selected from a halogen, nitric acid, sulfonic acid, fluoroboric acid, fluorophosphoric acid, or perchloric acid ion; L1 or L2 represents a 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline group where these groups may be substituted with a group or an atom selected from an alkyl group, a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom. A photoelectric conversion element and a photochemical cell using the above-mentioned metal complex.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Hironori Arakawa, Hideki Sugihara, Kohjiro Hara, Yoshiaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 6657119Abstract: An electrolytic cell assembly, e.g. for use in solar panels, is formed by placing coated metal wires (7,9) between the conducting layers (3,6) of two conducting glasses (1,4), respectively. A pressure force (F) is applied to press the metal wires between the conducting layers and to break the coating of the wires, thereby bringing the metal wires in electrical contact with the conducting layers. The coating protects the wires from harmful contact with an electrolyte inside the cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Forskarpatent I Uppsala ABInventors: Sten-Eric Lindquist, Anders Hagfeldt, Henrik Lindstrom, Sven Södergren
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Publication number: 20030219647Abstract: A crosslinked polymer obtained by allowing a polyfunctional electrophilic reagent to react on a nitrogen-containing polymer, an electrolyte containing the crosslinked polymer, and a photo-electrochemical cell having an electrically conductive substrate, a semiconductor layer, an electrolyte layer containing the electrolyte, and a counter electrode. The cell is excellent in photoelectric characteristics and durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Wariishi
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Patent number: 6652904Abstract: The present invention relates to manufacturing of regenerative photovolatic photoelectrochemical (RPEC) devices. The invention describes a method for manufacturing RPEC devices in a production line. The method comprises the steps of: dispensing a protective film in a substantially continuous sheet; attaching at least one substrate to the protective film in such a way that predetermined areas of the substrate are protected from being coated during at least one subsequent manufacturing process; using the protective films as a means to transport the substrate, along the production line through the at least one subsequent manufacturing process.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Sustainable Technologies International Pty. LimitedInventors: George Phani, Jason Andrew Hopkins, David Vittorio
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Patent number: 6649824Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising at least an electron acceptive charge transfer layer, an electron donative charge transfer layer, and a light absorption layer existing between the charge transfer layers, wherein either one of the charge transfer layers comprises a semiconductor acicular crystal layer comprising an aggregate of acicular crystals or a mixture of an acicular crystal and another crystal, and a method of producing the device are disclosed. Consequently, a photoelectric conversion device being capable of smoothly carrying out transfer of electrons and having high photoelectric conversion efficiency is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tohru Den, Hiroshi Okura
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Patent number: 6639073Abstract: A ruthenium complex represented by the following formula: RuL1L2X wherein L1 represents a 2,2′;6′,2″-terpyridine compound having at least one group selected from a carboxyl group, a salt of a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a salt of a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group and a salt of a phosphoric acid group, L2 represents a diketonate ligand represented by the following formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, perfluoroalkyl and aryl, R3 represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, perfluoroalkyl and aryl and X represents a monodentate ligand selected from a halide, a cyano group, a thiocyano group and a thiolate. A dye-sensitized oxide semiconductor electrode includes an electrically conductive body, an oxide semiconductor film provided on a surface of the electrically conductive body, and the above metal complex.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Ashraful Islam, Hideki Sugihara, Kohjiro Hara, Masatoshi Yanagida, Hironori Arakawa
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Publication number: 20030196692Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic cell comprising a substrate having an electrode layer (1) on the surface and having a porous metal oxide semiconductor film (2) which is formed on the electrode layer (1) and on which a photosensitizer is adsorbed, a substrate having an electrode layer (3) on the surface, both of said substrates being arranged in such a manner that the electrode layer (1) and the electrode layer (3) face each other, and an electrolyte layer provided between the semiconductor film (2) and the electrode layer (3), wherein the semiconductor film (2) contains an inhibitor of back current, and at least one pair of substrate and electrode layer thereon have transparency. The photovoltaic cell is capable of inhibiting back current and decomposition of a spectrosensitizing dye caused by the ultraviolet rays, has high photoelectric conversion efficiency and is capable of generating high electromotive force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: CATALYSTS & CHEMICALS INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsuguo Koyanagi, Michael Graetzel
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Publication number: 20030188777Abstract: Co-sensitizers that co-adsorb with a sensitizing dye to the surface of an interconnected semiconductor oxide nanoparticle material increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by improving their charge transfer efficiency and reducing the back transfer of electrons from the interconnected semiconductor oxide nanoparticle material to the sensitizing dye.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Russell Gaudiana, Savvas Hadjikyriacou, Jin-An He, David Waller, Zhengguo Zhu
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Publication number: 20030183271Abstract: The present invention aims at developing a low-cost photoelectric conversion device having favorable conversion efficiency and a solar cell and, accordingly, relates to a photoelectric conversion device of a semiconductor fine particles, being sensitized with an organic dye, which absorbs thereon a specified azo dye expressed by the general formula 1Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Masaaki Ikeda, Koichiro Shigaki, Teruhisa Inoue, Shozo Yanagida
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Publication number: 20030164188Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Shinji Murai, Satoshi Mikoshiba, Hiroyasu Sumino, Shuji Hayase
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Publication number: 20030155004Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a dye-sensitized solar cell with high cell performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.Inventors: Kohshin Takahashi, Kiyoaki Imoto, Junichi Nakamura
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Publication number: 20030152827Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Masaaki Ikeda, Koichiro Shigaki, Teruhisa Inoue
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Publication number: 20030145885Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell including a polymer electrolyte gel having a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer is provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a semiconductor electrode, an opposed electrode, and a polymer electrolyte gel interposed between the semiconductor electrode and the opposed electrode while including poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer or the copolymer thereof. Here, the polymer electrolyte gel is formed of a N-methy-2-pyrrolidone solvent or a 3-methoxypropionitrile (MP) solvent and the PVDF polymer or the copolymer thereof which is dissolved in the solvent to a predetermined amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Man-Gu Kang, Nam-Gyu Park, Kwang-Man Kim, Soon-Ho Chang
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Patent number: 6603070Abstract: The present invention provides a convergent method for the synthesis of light harvesting rods. The rods are oligomers of the formula A1(Ab+1)b, wherein b is at least 1, A1 through Ab+1 are covalently coupled rod segments, and each rod segment A1 through A1+b comprises a compound of the formula X1(Xm+1)m wherein m is at least 1 and X1 through Xm+1 are covalently coupled porphyrinic macrocycles. Light harvesting arrays and solar cells containing such light harvesting rods are also described, along with intermediates useful in such methods and rods produced by such methods.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Jonathan S. Lindsey, Robert S. Loewe
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Publication number: 20030140963Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises: an anode electrode including a conductive support and a porous semiconductor layer; a photosensitive dye; a charge transport layer; and a counter electrode support, wherein the anode electrode has the property of causing cathode luminescence having a luminous peak wavelength in a visible region and shows a haze rate H of 60% or more at a wavelength in the visible region.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Ryohsuke Yamanaka, Naoki Koide, Liyuan Han, Yasuo Chiba, Hisako Imai, Takehito Mitate
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Patent number: 6596935Abstract: A solar cell incorporates a light harvesting array that comprises: (a) a first substrate comprising a first electrode; and (b) a layer of light harvesting rods electrically coupled to the first electrode, each of the light harvesting rods comprising a polymer of Formula I: X 1 ⁢ — ( X m + 1 ) m ( I ) wherein m is at least 1, and may be from two, three or four to 20 or more; X1 is a charge separation group (and preferably a porphyrinic macrocycle, which may be one ligand of a double-decker sandwich compound) having an excited-state of energy equal to or lower than that of X2; and X2 through Xm+1 are chromophores (Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Jonathan S. Lindsey, Gerald J. Meyer
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Publication number: 20030127129Abstract: A charge transfer material comprising a basic compound having negative charge and represented by the following general formula (I):Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Masaru Yoshikawa, Chang-Yi Qian
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Publication number: 20030127126Abstract: A device is provided which comprises a solar cell section and a thin film battery section. The solar cell section includes one or more solar cells, which generate electrical power and charge electricity in the thin film battery section when they receive light. The thin film battery section can be attached to or fabricated on the non-light-receiving side of or separated apart from the solar cell section and comprises one or more thin film batteries. This invention eliminates the requirement of using a bulky rechargeable battery to store the energy generated by the solar cell section. Thus, the rechargeable solar battery not only has the recharging capability, it is also thin and light. This invention is very usefully especially for portable devices and solar powered devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventor: Tzung-Cheng Yang
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Publication number: 20030127130Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a gel electrolyte that contains a gelling agent and an electrolyte, wherein the gelling agent contains at least one kind of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a first polymer in which polysulfonic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two, a second polymer in which polycarboxylic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two, a third polymer in which a quatertiary ammonium salt of polysulfonic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two and a fourth polymer in which a quatertiary ammonium salt of polycarboxylic acid is crosslinked by a metal ion having a valency of not less than two.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Shinji Murai, Hiroyasu Sumino, Satoshi Mikoshiba, Shuji Hayase
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Publication number: 20030121543Abstract: The Photocatalytic film of semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3), contains an n-dopant, or a mixture of n-dopants, or a p-dopant or a mixture of p-dopants. Electrode consists of a substrate, with one or more films or photocatalytic arrangements of film of semiconducting n-doped or p-doped iron oxide (Fe2O3) e.g. on the surface of one side of the substrate or on the surface of different sides. The photoelectrochemical cell comprises electrodes with a film or with films of the n-doped or p-doped semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3). The semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3) film can be manufactured with a spray pyrolysis process or a sol gel process. The system for the direct cleavage of water with visible light, into hydrogen and oxygen the system comprises one or more of the photoelectrochemical cells with photocatalytic films. The system can be a tandem cell system, comprising the photoelectrochemical cell with the doped iron oxide (Fe2O3) film.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Michael Gratzel, Ravindranathan K Thampi
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Patent number: 6586670Abstract: A method for producing a photoelectric conversion device comprising a conductive support and a photosensitive layer containing a semiconductor fine particle on which a dye is adsorbed, wherein the semiconductor fine particle is treated with a compound represented by the following general formula (I): wherein X represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a selenium atom or NY, in which Y represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group; R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, —N(R5)(R6), —C(═O)R7, —C(═S)R8, —SO2R9 or —OR10; R5 and R6 independently have the same meaning as the R1, R2, R3 and R4; R7, R8 and R9 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, —N(R5)(R6), —OR10 or —SR11; and R10 and R11 independently represent a hydrogen atom or anType: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaru Yoshikawa