Abstract: Spiro compounds of the formula (I), 1

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell including 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 layer are opposite each other with an electrolyte layer disposed therebetween. The electrolyte layer includes an electrolyte and a liquid crystal and at least one of the electrode-layer-having substrates is transparent.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising, a cathode layer, an electron donating layer, and an electron accepting anode structure comprising a collection region including one or a plurality of secondary collection regions attached to the collection region. The secondary collection regions of the anode preferably are in the shape of dispersed rod shaped branches extending within a continuous phase of the electron donating layer. The collection region is preferably located at a central point with respect to the secondary collection regions, to thereby provide a photovoltaic cell structure with improved charge collection and efficiency of operation.

Abstract: Trans beta substituted chlorins and methods of making the same are disclosed, along with polymers formed from or containing such trans beta substituted chlorins as one or more monomeric units therein, light harvesting rods formed from such polymers, and electrodes carrying such polymers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-cell regenerative photovoltaic photoelectrochemical (RPEC) devices. The invention describes the structure of a multi-cell RPEC device where conductive interconnects are formed by a matrix mounting conductive particles, formed between extended portions of opposed planar conductive members.

Abstract: 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:

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical device having new construction, which enables a large stable photoelectric conversion element, an energy storage element and the like to be manufactured at low cost. The photoelectrochemical device is provided with an organic compound which generates a radical compound through electrochemical oxidation reaction and/or reduction reaction, and a semiconductor arranged in contact with the organic compound. Preferably, the generated radical compound has a spin density of 1020 spins/g or more. In addition, it is preferable to use as the organic compound an organic polymer compound with the number average molecular weight ranging from 103 to 107.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaically self-charging storage system having a layer structure in which a first material (1), which forms a first redox system, a second material (2), which forms a second redox system, and a photosensitive material (3) are arranged in or between a first (4) and a second electrically conductive layer (5). At least one of the electrically conductive layers (4, 5) is transparent for visible light. The first and the second material (1, 2) are each in electrical contact with one of the electrically conductive layers (4, 5) and arranged in the layer structure in such a manner that, due to the effect of light, the photosensitive material (3) induces a redox reaction Aox+Bred→Ared+Box, which can be reversed if light ceases. The thickness of the layer over which the first (1) and/or second material (2) extends is configured in such a manner that a charge storage sufficient for operating an electrical consumer is made possible.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic cell includes contacting a cross-linking agent with semiconductor particles, and incorporating the semiconductor particles into the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: 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 adsorbed 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a photo device containing a layer of nanometer sized particles and a conducting polymer in solid sate, wherein the layer is made by mixing the nanometer sized particles in colloid with precursor polyparaphenylenevinylene or a derivative thereof and wherein the nanometer sized particle is selected from the group consisting of TiO2, ZnO, ZrO2 and SnO2 and the layer is heated to a temperature during a period of time.

Abstract: A differential response-type light-receiving device comprising: a semiconductor electrode comprising an electrically conductive layer and a photosensitive layer containing a semiconductor sensitized by a dye; an ion-conductive electrolyte layer; and a counter electrode, the differential response-type light-receiving device making time-differential response to quantity of light to output a photoelectric current. A composite light-receiving device comprising the differential response-type light-receiving device and a stationary response-type light-receiving device, and an image sensor using the differential response-type light-receiving device or the composite light-receiving device are also provided.

Abstract: 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: 1 X 1 ⁢ — ( X m + 1 ) m ( I )

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a porous semiconductor layer in which a dye is adsorbed and an electrolyte which are sandwiched between a transparent conductive film formed on a surface of a transparent substrate and a conductive substrate, wherein the electrolyte is retained in a crosslinked polymer compound.

Abstract: A dye-sensitizing solar cell comprising: a first substrate whose surface is at least conductive; a second substrate on which a conductive layer is formed, the second substrate being transparent, the first and second substrates being spaced by a distance with the conductive surfaces of the first and second substrates opposite to each other; a semiconductor layer having a dye adsorbed thereon, the semiconductor layer being formed on one of the conductive surfaces; a glass frit for sealing peripheral edges of the first and second substrates; and a redox electrolyte which is filled between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell comprising an electroconductive support, a porous photovoltaic layer constituted with a porous semiconductor layer containing a photosensitizing dye, a hole transporting layer, and a support on a counter electrode side, the porous photovoltaic layer having a multi-layer structure, and the semiconductor layer having a haze ratio at a wavelength in a visible light region of 60% or more.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises an electrode layer, a photovoltaic layer, a hole transport layer, a conductive layer and a counter electrode layer stacked in this order.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed. The fuel cell system comprises a thermophotovoltaic insulation disposed around at least a portion of a fuel cell. Methods for operating the fuel cell system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light harvesting array useful for the manufacture of devices such as solar cells 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: X1&Parenopenst;Xm+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 (and again are preferably porphyrinic macrocycles).

Abstract: 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: X1&Parenopenst;Xm+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 (and again are preferably porphyrinic macrocycles).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar powered cathodic protection system using a photocatalyst which functions as a non-sacrificial photoanode under sunlight, wherein said non-sacrificial photoanode consisting of the photocatalyst such as TiO2 (or ZnO) and an electrolyte, is galvanically connected to a metal structure to be protected and continuously provides electrons to the metal structure, whereby the metal structure is protected from the corrosion. The solar powered cathodic protection system using a non-sacrificial photoanode according to present invention is advantageous in that 1) an external power supply is not necessary, 2) it is easy to maintain the system because the non-sacrificial photoanode according to the present invention can be installed outdoors, and 3) the photocatalyst used as the non-sacrificial photoanode is inexpensive and semipermanent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte composition, comprising an electrolyte containing at least one kind of an imidazolium salt selected from the group consisting of 1-methyl-3-propyl imidazolium iodide, 1-methyl-3-isopropyl imidazolium iodide, 1-methyl-3-butyl imidazolium iodide, 1-methyl-3-isobutyl imidazolium iodide and 1-methyl-3-sec-butyl imidazolium iodide, a halogen-containing compound dissolved in the electrolyte, and a compound dissolved in the electrolyte and containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of N, P and S, the compound being capable of forming an onium salt together with the halogen-containing compound.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition comprising a compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R represents a substituent containing a —(CR1R2—CR3R4—O)n— bond (in which R1 to R4 are independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, n being an integer of 2 to 20); Q represents an atomic group forming an aromatic cation having a 5- or 6-membered ring structure with a nitrogen atom, which may have a substituent; and X− represents an anion. A photoelectric conversion device comprising the electrolyte composition and a photo-electrochemical cell composed thereof are also provided.

Abstract: 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): 1

Abstract: This invention relates to dye sensitized polycrystalline photoelectrochemical solar cells for use in energy transduction from light to electricity. It concerns the utility of highly absorbing organic chromophores as sensitizers in such cells and the degree to which they may be utilized alone and in combination to produce an efficient photoelectrochemical cell, e.g., a regenerative solar cell.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device having a photosensitive layer comprising semiconductor particles is disclosed, in which the semiconductor particles are obtained from a metal hydroxide gel or a precursor thereof present in a hydrophilic solvent. Also disclosed in a photoelectric cell including the photoelectric conversion device.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising a particulate semiconductor layer, wherein the particulate semiconductor layer is prepared by a method comprising a step of irradiating semiconductor particles with electromagnetic wave or a step of heating semiconductor particles at a temperature of 50° C. or higher and lower than 350° C. under a pressure of 0.05 MPa or lower.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising an electrolyte which comprises a hole conductor compound as redox system.

Abstract: A solar battery cell having textures formed in a texture region on a light-receiving surface thereof, except for a site where a surface electrode is formed, wherein the textures formed in a peripheral portion of the texture region have a different size from the textures formed in an inside portion located inside of the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic conversion element comprising, a first transparent electrode, a transparent semiconductor layer disposed on the first transparent electrode, a sensitizing dye adsorption portion which is disposed on the surface of the transparent semiconductor layer, a carrier transport layer formed on the sensitizing dye adsorption portion, and a second transparent electrode disposed on the carrier transport layer, wherein the sensitizing dye adsorption portion comprises sensitizing dyes of plural kinds of color, which are adsorbed on a plurality of surface regions of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises an electrode layer, a photovoltaic layer, a hole transport layer, a conductive layer and a counter electrode layer stacked in this order.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a porous semiconductor layer in which a dye is adsorbed and an electrolyte which are sandwiched between a transparent conductive film formed on a surface of a transparent substrate and a conductive substrate, wherein the electrolyte is retained in a crosslinked polymer compound.

Abstract: A dye-sensitization-type photoelectric conversion element comprising a semiconductor and a dye adhering onto a surface of the semiconductor, which semiconductor is predominantly comprised of brookite-type titanium oxide. The dye-sensitimation-type photoelectric conversion element is preferably made of a titanium oxide sol predominantly comprising brookite-type titanium oxide, produced by a process comprising a step of hydrolyzing titanium tetrachloride or titanium trichloride.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising an electrically conductive substrate, a photosensitive semiconductor layer, a charge transporting layer, and a counter electrode (preferably a counter electrode having a porous electron-conducting layer), wherein an electrically insulating spacing layer is provided between the semiconductor layer and the counter electrode, and a photo cell having the device. High conversion efficiency is obtained without causing an internal shortage.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: Polymers comprising triarylamine substituent monomers. The polymers are products of anionic or radical polymerization of monovinylated triarylamine monomers or of ROMP polymerization of monomers comprising a triarylamine component, a linker component, and a cyclic olefin that is capable of undergoing a ring-opening polymerization reaction. The resulting polymers possess hole-transporting properties and are useful as hole transport layers in light-emitting diodes or as components of photorefractive materials.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising two adjacent regions of materials with different electric properties is characterized in that one of the regions is formed by a columnar structure of a discotic liquid crystal material, said structure having interspaces defined between columns of said discotic liquid crystal material, said interspaces being part of the other region and comprising a second material having electric properties different from that of said discotic liquid crystal. The invention also relates to a method for producing an electronic structure for such devices.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element responsive to a desired conversion efficiency is provided. A photoelectric conversion element including a transparent electrode including a light-receiving face, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a counter electrode is provided, in which a thickness L (m) of the transparent electrode satisfies an equation (1) 1.2×10−2×&rgr;≦L≦4.6/ƒ  (1) where &rgr; represents a resistivity (&OHgr;m), and f represents an effective photon flux density loss coefficient (1/m).

Abstract: A metal complex represented by the formula: (X)nML1L2, (X)2M(L1)2 or (L1)2ML2 wherein M represents a Group VIII metal, X represents a polar group, L1 represents a phenanthroline containing at least one carboxyl group which may be neutralized, L2 represents a nitrogen-containing polycyclic compound which may contain one or more substituents, and n is an integer of 1 or 2. 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. A solar cell may be constructed from the above dye-sensitized oxide semiconductor electrode, a counter electrode, and a redox electrolyte contacting with both electrodes.

Abstract: A platinum complex represented by the formula PtL1/L2 or PtLX1/LX2 wherein L1 and L each represent a ligand selected from the group consisting of 2,2′-bipyridine compounds having at least one anionic group and 1,10-phenanthroline compounds having at least one anionic group, L2 represents a dithiolate selected from those represented by the formulas (a) through (d) shown in the specification, and X1 and X2 each represent a thiolate selected from those represented by the following formulas (e) and (f) shown in the specification. A dye-sensitized electrode includes a substrate having an electrically conductive surface, an oxide semiconductor film formed on the conductive surface, and the above platinum complex supported on the film. A solar cell includes the above electrode, a counter electrode, and an electrolyte disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A photosensitizer complex of formulae (Ia) MX3Lt or (Ib) MXYLt in which M is a transition metal selected from ruthenium, osmium, iron, rhenium and technetium, preferably ruthenium or osmium; each X is a co-ligand independently selected from NCS—, Cl—, Br—, I—, CN—, NCO—, H2O, NCN2−; pyridine unsubstituted or substituted by at least one group selected from vinyl, primary, secondary or tertiary amine, OH and C1-30 alkyl, preferably NCS—; and Lt is a tridentate ligand comprising heterocycles such as pyridine, thiophene, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, carrying at least one carboxylic, phosphoric, hydoxamic acid or a chelating group. A photovoltaic cell comprising an electrically conductive layer deposited on a support to which at least one titanium dioxide layer has been applied and, as a photosensitizer applied to the titanium dioxide layer, a photosensitizer complex of formula (Ia) or Ib) as specified above.

Abstract: A hybrid power assembly includes a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power conversion module for converting radiant thermal energy into electrical power, and a battery in electrical communication with the TPV power source and rechargeable by electrical power generated by the TPV power source.

Abstract: A gas sensor array for detecting individual gas constituents in a gas sensor, said array being composed of a carrier member of a non-conductive substrate having a plurality of individual sensor elements formed by semiconductor oxides being applied thereon in a planar arrangement and the array is provided with contact electrode arrangements for measuring electrical conductivity, with a heating arrangement for heating a predetermined operating temperature and with protective sheaths for protecting the arrangement against external influences along with a fastening base so that the individual operating temperatures allocated to the various sensors and wherein the differences between respective sensor signals are formed for detecting the individual gas constituents, with these differences being supplied to a processing unit. In a preferred embodiment, at least one part of the individual sensor element is composed of a &bgr;-Ga2O3 thin film.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a solar cell, a phase A is deposited in the form of stacks on an electrically conductive substrate, wherein the stacks are covalently and electrically interconnected and also connected to the substrate, and any spaces between the stacks are filled with a phase B, which is electrically connected to a counter electrode, wherein the phases A and B are so selected that they form a photovoltaic active transition structure or an injection contact. The invention also resides in a solar cell made in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A small diameter flexible electrode designed for subcutaneous in vivo amperometric monitoring of glucose is described. The electrode is designed to allow "one-point" in vivo calibration, i.e., to have zero output current at zero glucose concentration, even in the presence of other electroreactive species of serum or blood. The electrode is preferably three or four-layered, with the layers serially deposited within a recess upon the tip of a polyamide insulated gold wire. A first glucose concentration-to-current transducing layer is overcoated with an electrically insulating and glucose flux limiting layer (second layer) on which, optionally, an immobilized interference-eliminating horseradish peroxidase based film is deposited (third layer). An outer (fourth) layer is biocompatible.

Abstract: Multi-layered compositions having a plurality of pillared metal complexes disposed on a supporting substrate, the pillars comprising divalent electron acceptor moieties with a phosphonate or arsenate at each end. The pillars can be electron donating, electron accepting or charge generating in nature. Each layer of parallel pillars is separated by a layer of a group (IVA), (IVB), (IIIA) or (IIIB) metal or a lanthanide. The compositions can further comprise particles of at least one Group VIII metal at zero valence entrapped within each layer of the complex. The complexes can also incorporate "stalactites" and "stalagmites" of capped arsonato or phosphonato ligands interspersed with the pillars providing a series of interstices about each electron accepting group. The supporting substrate can be comprised of an organic polymer template.

Abstract: A small diameter flexible electrode designed for subcutaneous in vivo amperometric monitoring of glucose is described. The electrode is designed to allow "one-point" in vivo calibration, i.e., to have zero output current at zero glucose concentration, even in the presence of other electroreactive species of serum or blood. The electrode is preferably three or four-layered, with the layers serially deposited within a recess upon the tip of a polyamide insulated gold wire. A first glucose concentration-to-current transducing layer is overcoated with an electrically insulating and glucose flux limiting layer (second layer) on which, optionally, an immobilized interference-eliminating horseradish peroxidase based film is deposited (third layer). An outer (fourth) layer is biocompatible.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device has a layer of dye-sensitized nanoparticulate semiconductor and a hole transporting layer containing an organic hole transporting agent. The dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device is fully durable. A solar cell comprising the photoelectric conversion device is also provided.