Abstract: A selenium photovoltaic cell has a top electrode formed of lemon juice or another fluid which enters into a chemical reaction with the selenium which produces a sulfur compound. A contact disk fixed to the selenium surface makes reliable contact to the fluid top electrode and provides a connection point for a top electrode lead.

Abstract: 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.sup.-6 meters), and possess relatively high bulk density combined with high surface area.

Abstract: A plurality of series-connected elements are arranged, as parallel elongated stripes, on a common electrically insulating transparent substrate (1). Each element comprises a photoanode (4), a porous counterelectrode or cathode (6) and an intermediate electrically insulating porous layer (5) separating the photoanode (4) from the cathode (6). The pores of the intermediate layer (5), the photoanode (4) and the cathode (6) are at least partially filled with an electron transferring electrolyte. An intermediate layer (2) of a transparent electrically conducting material is interposed between the substrate (1) and each photoanode (4). The cathode (6) of the first photovoltaic element of the series is electrically connected with a first terminal (9) of the battery. The cathode (6) of each following element is connected with the intermediate conducting layer (2) of the preceding element, over a gap (3) separating the respective intermediate layers (2) of these two elements.

Abstract: A pole incorporating solar cells has a lighting device or like electric device attached thereto, and a required number of solar cell modules arranged approximately vertically on at least one portion of peripheral wall of the main body of the pole. The arrangement of solar cell modules has the function of generating the electric energy to be consumed by the electric device for one day, utilizing solar radiation afforded by at least scattered sunlight selected from scattered sunlight or direct sunlight. A storage device is provided in the pole main body and has a capacity to accumulate therein the electric energy to be consumed by the electric device for one day, and is repeatedly charged and discharged every day.

Abstract: An electrode structure is formed by superposing a bar-shaped or linear metal member on an electroconductive layer comprising a polymeric resin and an electroconductive filler dispersed therein. The electroconductive layer may be formed as an electroconductive sheet in advance and patterned before it is superposed with the metal member, followed by heat and pressure application to provide an electrode structure showing a low resistivity, a large adhesion even to an elevation and a high reliability. The electrode structure is suitably used for providing a collector electrode structure on a photo-electricity generating device.

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

Abstract: A selenium photovoltaic cell has a top electrode formed of lemon juice or another fluid which enters into a chemical reaction with the selenium which produces a sulfur compound. A contact disk fixed to the selenium surface makes reliable contact to the fluid top electrode and provides a connection point for a top electrode lead.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photoelectric transfer device which comprises a photoelectric transfer element, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and an ultraviolet cut-off layer, said cholesteric liquid crystal layer being arranged between said photoelectric transfer element and said ultraviolet cut-off layer and said ultraviolet cut-off layer being arranged at the side for the incidence of light. According to this invention, there is provided a colorful photoelectric transfer device which is prepared at an inexpensive cost without a marked decrease in the generation efficiency of the photoelectric transfer element and is fit to be used over a prolonged period.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system, in which two separated arrays of refracting elements disperse incident sunlight and concentrate the sunlight onto solar energy converters, such that each converter receives a narrow portion of the broad solar spectrum and thereby operates at higher efficiency.

Abstract: A device is provided which comprises a solar cell section formed in a plate and a storage battery section. The solar cell section includes one or more solar cells which generate electrical power when they receive light. The storage battery section is lying under the solar cell section and comprises one or more storage battery cells separated by bulkheads. Each of the storage battery cells comprises two chambers containing electrolytic solutions and a membrane dividing the chambers, whereby ions solved in the solutions undergo a change in valences, while maintaining their status as solved ions. Holes are extending through the bulkheads to exchange the electrolytic solutions in the storage battery cells, thereby the concentration of the cells can be maintained to be substantially uniform.

Abstract: The dial plate according to the present invention comprises a substrate formed of a ceramic material and a colored coating layer formed on the substrate. And, the colored coating layer is characterized by having a colored layer formed of a ceramic paint containing a metal compound as a principal component. The substrate formed of a ceramic material is porous; and hence, diffuses incident light to conceal a solar battery placed on the backside from view. Since the colored layer is formed of a ceramic paint containing a metal compound as a principal component, it is easy to firmly attach it to the substrate formed of a ceramic material and it is capable of forming various colors corresponding to the types of metal compounds applied.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell having a charge transport layer comprising a hole conductor material is disclosed and claimed. The photovoltaic cell comprising a light absorbing layer having a semiconductor material with a bassed gap of at least 3.0 Ev, the surface of the semiconductor having a roughness of >20, optionally a sensitizer layer, a charge transport layer comprising one or more spiro compounds of the formula (I) as a hole conductor material ##STR1## where .PSI. is C, Si, Ge or Sn, andK.sup.1 and K.sup.2, independently of one another, are conjugated systems,and a counter electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanodisperse titanium dioxide, to a process for the production thereof and to the use thereof.

Abstract: Method for producing a photochemical cell having at least one carrier substrate and a plurality of layers disposed thereon includes performing a plurality of successive printing operations for applying the layers; a photochemical cell produced by the method; and equipment for performing the method.

Abstract: A covering member (4), a solar battery (3) and a hand-operating mechanism-containing movement (2) are housed inside a case (1) which has a front side opening (1a), a glass (5) which is provided in the front side opening (1a), in the order of these constituents from the face side of the case (1). The solar battery (3) is disposed opposite to the glass (5) at a light receiving surface thereof which is covered with the covering member (4). The covering member (4) can also serve as a dial. If the covering member (4) is molded out of ceramic, it can provide the dial with a white appearance, so that light can sufficiently be transmitted to the receiving surface of the solar battery (3) owing to the light transmittance of the ceramic.

Abstract: A cell including a photoanode consisting of at least one polycrystalline titanium dioxide layer on a conductive substrate, a counter-electrode and an electrolyte positioned between these electrodes, at least one of said electrodes being transparent or translucent. The electrolyte includes an oxidation-reduction system which is liquid at room temperature. The first species of the pair making up the oxidation-reduction system advantageously consists of an electrochemically active salt having a melting point below room temperature, and optionally being dissolved in at least one electrochemically inactive salt also having a melting point below room temperature.

Abstract: A photo-electric chemical apparatus comprising an electrolyte, a first electrode having an n-type semiconductor member disposed to be in touch with the electrolyte and a second electrode having a carbon cluster member disposed to be in touch with the electrolyte. The first and second electrodes are short-circuited and irradiated with a light beam to thereby generate oxygen and hydrogen. The first electrode is a laminated member consisting of a light transmitting glass, a transparent conducting layer and an n-type semiconductor layer. The second electrode is a laminated member consisting of a light transmitting glass, a transparent conducting layer and a carbon cluster thin film.

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. 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. The complexes are useful for the conversion and storage of solar energy, for the production of photocurrents, and as catalysts for reduction reactions, for example, the production of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen and hydrogen gases, the production of H.sub.

Abstract: Hydrophobic liquid salts of the general formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and each represent a straight or branched chain alkyl radical, a fluoroalkyl radical or an alkoxyalkyl radical of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R.sub.2, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical with 1 to 3 carbon atoms.The invention has applications as an electrolyte solvent in electrochemical photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A composite electrode for a photo-rechargeable storage battery includes a filter paper of glass fiber as a base material; a polypyrrole film coated on a surface of the filter paper to provide a conductive polymer; and a gel of polytungustic acid provided on the polypyrrole film in the form of a cluster to provide a photo-catalytic property. The polypyrrole film may be vapor phase polymerized and coated onto a surface of the filter paper and the gel of polytungustic acid may be vapor phase coated onto the polypyrrole film in the form of a cluster. Thus, all electrode manufacturing steps can be carried out in the vapor phase so that manufacturing of such an electrode having a very large specific surface area is practical and large electrode areas may be manufactured.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing hydrogen by conversion of solar energy into thermal and electrical energy for electrolysis of steam.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a photoelectrochemical cell having increased conductivity. The cell employs an electrolyte formed from a polymeric matrix, an electrolytic solvent, an inorganic ion salt and a redox couple.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a photoelectrochemical cell and a cell made by this method. A disadvantage of such cells (1) is the fact that their efficiency is not sufficient for economic use. It is therefore the aim of the invention to avoid this disadvantage. The method according to the invention makes it possible to produce a photoelectrochemical cell (1) comprising a porous electrode (4), the effective surface of which is by a factor 700 greater than that of electrodes of comparable size.

Abstract: A regenerating photoelectrochemical cell (1) is disclosed having a first transparent substrate (2) which has thereon a first transparent electrode (6), a second transparent substrate (4) which has thereon a second transparent electrode (8) on which is deposited a first layer (10) of a photoelectrochemically active semiconductor oxide in the form of a porous nanostructure of sintered colloidal particles, the substrates (2, 4) being so disposed in relation to one another as to define a space filled with electrolyte (16), said electrolyte (16) impregnating the said porous structure in a manner such that it is in contact on the one hand with the first transparent electrode (6) disposed on the first transparent substrate (2) and on the other hand with the second transparent electrode (8) disposed on the second transparent substrate (4), and said second transparent substrate also having a second compact continuous semiconductor oxide layer (20) extending between the second transparent electrode (8) and the first se

Abstract: The present invention provides a horological piece (P) comprising an energy source having at least one photovoltaic cell (1) capable of transforming luminous radiation into an electrical current. This photovoltaic cell includes an active surface (F) sensitive to luminous radiation. A horometrical movement (56) is supplied by the energy source and is capable of supplying time keeping information. A display (58) is adapted to receive the time keeping information supplied by the horometrical movement (56) and displays this information so that it is readable by a user. The active surface (F) of the photovoltaic cell (1) has at least one transparent region which at least partially covers the display (58). The invention may be applied to horological pieces without portable power sources, such as a battery.

Abstract: The invention provides a temperature switch material capable of detecting a very low temperature not higher than 150 K. It also provides a light switch material for detecting light in the ultraviolet region. It further provides a switch material suited for use as a substrate for thin oxide layer formation thereon. The switching material utilizes an abrupt change in photoelectric current as produced upon phase transition of SrTiO.sub.3 at a low temperature. The photoelectric switch or temperature switch utilizes the change in photoconduction spectrum upon irradiation of SrTiO.sub.3 with light in the 3 eV-5 eV ultraviolet region. A switch is available by varying the intensity of irradiating light thereby controlling the transition temperature.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an anode for an electrochemical cell, in particular a solar cell, on electrically conductive glass to which a layer of porous metal oxide is applied. The layer includes metal complexes of the porphyrin-phthalocyanine class and other dyestuffs and is then subjected to a heat treatment. A paste of highly dispersed metal oxide, in particular aluminum oxide and/or titanium oxide, is first produced with the addition of a dyestuff and an alcoholic solution, which acts as a binder, in a dry atmosphere. The paste produced in this way is applied as a thin layer to the glass plate coated with a transparent, electrically conductive layer, and the configuration including the glass plate and the pasty metal oxide layer is subjected to a heat treatment at temperatures below 300.degree. C.

Abstract: Interferant eliminating analyte sensors and sensing process prevent erroneous assays. Glucose electrodes were coated with an oxidizing enzyme (peroxidase) which allows hydrogen peroxide to selectively oxidize ascorbate, urate, bilirubin, and acetaminophenol in the presence of glucose. Hydrogen peroxide may be added to the assayed solution or generated in situ. The oxidizing enzyme was prevented from causing undesired reduction currents at the glucose electrode by preventing contact of the oxidizing enzyme with the glucose electrode, or by increasing the applied voltage.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising a light transmitting electrically conductive layer deposited on a glass plate or a transparent polymer sheet to which a series of titanium dioxide layers have been applied, in which at leash the last titanium dioxide layer (optionally also the second to last and third to last layer) are doped with a metal ion which is selected from a divalent or trivalent metal.

Abstract: A photochargeable air battery is disclosed possessing a negative electrode 22 which discharges by oxidation of metal material 22a, a positive electrode 21 comprising a oxygen catalyst, electrolyte 23 filling the inside of battery case 27 between negative electrode 22 and positive electrode 21, and battery case 27 housing positive electrode 21, negative electrode 22 and electrolyte 23 in addition to possessing light receptor 22a which injects light into negative electrode 22. As a result, discharging is performed by oxidation of metal material 22a comprising negative electrode 22, while charging is performed by reducing the oxidized metal material by means of irradiating light from light receptor 27a onto the metal material 22 which is oxidized by this discharging.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel metal complexes and solutions containing the complexes which are useful for converting light energy into electrical energy. The complexes are formed by complexing certain metals, such as iron, with a carboxyl compound, chloride and ammonia to form a complex having carboxyl ligands, chloride ligands and ammonia ligands. The preferred carboxyl compound is citric acid, acetic acid or salts thereof. The invention also provides a solar cell which comprises a transparent container which contains a pair of electrodes immersed in the metal complex.

Abstract: A biosensor including an interferant-eliminating catalyst and method for analyzing an analyte in a biological sample is disclosed.

Abstract: It has been found that fullerenes exhibit photoelectronic behavior such as photoconductivity or photovoltaic properties. Such behavior allows the fabrication of a variety of devices, such as solar cells and the use of various light-induced processes, such as the generation of a current by illumination of appropriate fullerene interfaces.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for use in photoelectrochemical reactions includes as its reactive surface a metal oxide porous ceramic membrane of a catalytic metal such as titanium. The reaction vessel includes a light source and a counter electrode. A provision for applying an electrical bias between the membrane and the counter electrode permits the Fermi levels of potential reaction to be favored so that certain reactions may be favored in the vessel. The electrical biasing is also useful for the cleaning of the catalytic membrane.

Abstract: The regenerative photo-electrochemical cell comprises a polycrystalline metal oxide semiconductor layer having a substantially monomolecular chromophore layer in a surface zone. The surface of the metal oxide semiconductor layer has a roughness factor of more than 20, preferably more than 200. Photo-electrochemical cells having such metal oxide semiconductors have good monochromatic efficiency using redox systems with iodides or bromides.

Abstract: A method for the production of a photoelectrochemical cell includes forming an anion-doped long-chain alkylthiophene polymer layer on one surface of a semiconductor directly or through the medium of a coating of a noble metal formed in advance on said one surface, interposing a solid electrolyte between a transparent electrode and the anion-dope long-chain alkylthiophene polymer on the semiconductor, and finally connecting a lead wire to the other surface of the semiconductor. A photoelectrochemical cell is produced by the method described above and consists essentially of a layer of an anion-doped long-chain alkylthiophene polymer formed on one surface of a semiconductor directly or through the medium of a coating of a noble metal formed in advance, a transparent electrode, and a solid electrolyte interposed between the polymer layer and the transparent electrode.

Abstract: A process for photoelectrochemical reduction of CO.sub.2 and/or CO to gaseous hydrocarbons, predominately methane, in a liquid aqueous containing electrolyte dispersion of semiconductors in the presence of copper which may be deposited on the semiconductor surface or dispersed in the electrolyte and transiently in contact with the semiconductor surface.

Abstract: The regenerative photo-electrochemical cell comprises a polycrystalline metal oxide semiconductor layer having a substantially monomolecular chromophore layer in a surface zone. The surface of the metal oxide semiconductor layer has a roughness factor of more than 20, preferably more than 200. Photo-electrochemical cells having such metal oxide semiconductors have good monochromatic efficiency using redox systems with iodides or bromides.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cells comprising a positive electrode comprised of an n-type conductive semiconductor and a compound capable of reversibly intercalating or deintercalating metal atoms or ions, an ion conductive solid electrolyte layer, a negative electrode, and current collectors for the positive and negative electrodes. The intercalating or deintercalating compound is a Chevrel compound or vornite. The photoelectrochemical cell serves as both solar and secondary cells. Various cell constructions are also described including a multi-layered structure and a two-cell construction.

Abstract: A multielectrode photoelectrochemical cell in which at least contains two bipolar electrode panels for photoelectrochemical reactions such as water photolysis to produce H.sub.2 O.sub.2 without external bias. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bipolar TiO.sub.2 /Pt multielectrode photoelectrochemical cell was fabricated with five panels in series. The cell permitted unassisted photolytic (Xe lamp) water splitting to produce H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 with H.sub.2 O.sub.2 molar ratio of 2.4/1.

Abstract: A photo-activated semiconductor device is adapted to be exposed to light energy. Two physically separated electrocatalysts are placed in electrical contact with the photo-activated semiconductor device. An electrolytic solution physically separated from the semiconductor device is placed in electrical contact with both electrocatalysts. A method for supplying electrical energy to an anode and a cathode is an electrochemical reaction zone containing an electrolytic solution which comprises positioning a photo-activated semiconductor device having separate donor and acceptor regions external to an electrolytic solution. The doner region is electrically connected to a cathode and the acceptor region is electrically connected to the anode. A portion of the photo-activated semiconductor device is exposed to a source of radiation which is external to the reaction zone. The products derived from the electrolytic solution are collected for later use.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device is provided in which a high molecular weight conductive membrane is formed on a conductive, transparent base, and an opposing electrode is arranged thereunder via a liquid electrolyte. The conductive, electrochromic membrane is a polyisothianaphthene, a chemically and physically stable material which gives the device superior electrochromic switching characteristics, including a fast response time and a high contrast color change upon oxidation and reduction. Other applications which rely on the electrochromic properties of the polyisothianaphthene are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A method for converting solar energy to electricity is provided using solid-liquid interface photoelectrochemical cells wherein the liquid phase comprises a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte dissolved therein forming an ionically conductive solution and a redox couple suitable to accept and donate electrons from and to the electrodes. The redox couple is present in an amount sufficient to sustain a predetermined current and the concentrations of the electrolyte and redox couple in the solution are sufficient to provide no greater than a selected small voltage drop relative to the output voltage of the cell. The efficiency of conversion of light to electrical energy of such photoelectrochemical cells is 10% and greater.

Abstract: The photoelectrolysis of water by solar radiation to produce hydrogen and oxygen is achieved using semiconductor electrodes. The cell comprises a p-silicon wafer treated with catalyst as photocathode and metal doped n-silicon wafer as photoanode. The cell is operated at a small bias potential.

Abstract: A photo-activated semiconductor device is adapted to be exposed to light energy. Two physically separated electrocatalysts are placed in electrical contact with the photo-activated semiconductor device. An electrolytic solution physically separated from the semiconductor device is placed in electrical contact with both electrocatalysts. A method for supplying electrical energy to an anode and a cathode is an electrochemical reaction zone containing an electrolytic solution which comprises positioning a photo-activated semiconductor device having separate donor and acceptor regions external to an electrolytic solution. The donor region is electrically connected to a cathode and the acceptor region is electrically connected to the anode. A portion of the photo-activated semiconductor device is exposed to a source of radiation which is external to the reaction zone. The products derived from the electrolytic solution are collected for later use.

Abstract: Solar cells with photoanodes based on CuInS.sub.2 semiconductor material produced by specially adapted methods, permit the transformation of light into electric energy with a good efficiency. The semiconductor material according to the invention comprises inclusions of extraneous phases, namely In.sub.2 S.sub.3, In and/or Cu.sub.2-x S (0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1) in a concentration between 5 per thousand and 5 percent, in the CuInS.sub.2. The energy gap of this material is 1.5 eV. Working electrodes for photoelectrochemical solar cells or solid state solar cells can be constructed.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical converting reactants to products includes cycling alternating electrical current to an electrode containing a non-degenerate semiconductor material in an electrochemical cell. Suitably doped (n-type or p-type) semiconductors rectify the alternating current.

Abstract: An amorphous silicon semiconductor alloy having multiple layers is used to form a photoelectrode (either a photoanode or a photocathode) for use in a photoelectrochemical cell for the photoelectrolysis of water to produce hydrogen or the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Each layer of the semiconductor alloy has a different dopant concentration ranging from no dopant to a heavy dopant concentration. The photoelectrochemical cell can utilize a photocathode and a conventional metal anode, a photoanode or both a photocathode and a photoanode according to the present invention. The semiconductor alloy of the photoelectrode is a-Si:F:H or a-Si:H.sub.x deposited on a reflective layer of aluminum or molybdenum which is deposited on a substrate of glass or stainless steel. A tunnelable oxide layer can be deposited or intrinsically formed to cover and protect the top surface of the semiconductor alloy body.

Abstract: An electrode is disclosed for use in photoelectrochemical cells having an electrolyte which includes an aqueous constituent. The electrode includes a semiconductor and a hydrophobic film disposed between the semiconductor and the aqueous constituent. The hydrophobic film is adapted to permit charges to pass therethrough while substantially decreasing the activity of the aqueous constituent at the semiconductor surface thereby decreasing the photodegradation of the semiconductor electrode.

Abstract: Photoactive pyrite layers, whose preparation and use represent a commercially highly interesting alternative to materials hitherto in common use. The semiconductor material chiefly used until now, e.g. for solar cells, is silicon. However, its costs of manufacture are too high to allow solar cells to be made at favorable cost. The significance of the disclosure and development of pyrite as a semiconductor material, especially for solar cells, lies in the fact that it is plentifully occurring and cheap, as well as environmentally compatible. Pyrite (iron pyrites, FeS.sub.2) can be used as a photoactive material in solar cells and in optoelectronic components. It is possible to use both naturally occurring pyrite, after a material treatment to improve the photosensitivity, as well as synthetically produced, single-crystal and polycrystalline pyrite.