US4217402A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photoelectrochemical cells having gelled electrolyte
Assignee: Monosolar Inc
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Filing: 1979-02-05
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Granted: 1980-08-12
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Expires: 1999-02-05
Abstract
Abstract Schottky and p-n type photo-electrochemical cells are disclosed. These cells are suitable for sunlight and use gelled electrolytes based either on aqueous or solvent substances. The gel is a light-transparent, inert substance. These cells have at least one electrode of a semiconductor. The second electrode may be a metal or a semiconductor of the opposite conductivity type. These gelled electrolyte cells display performance advantages over their corresponding liquid electrolyte cell structures. Higher photovoltages and photocurrents are obtained along with a reduction in the rate of undesired photo-decomposition of one of the electrodes. Furthermore, gelled electrolytes may be contained between two closely spaced electrodes. This type of cell reduces both ohmic losses and light attenuation.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Rod
- 👤 Walter J. Penick
- 👤 Rodney J. Dobson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 12:05
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M14/00; H01M14/005; H01G; H01G9/00; H01G9/20; H01G9/2004; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/542
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
42 words
A photoelectrochemical cell comprising: (a). a first electrode of cadmium telluride; (b) a second electrode of electrically conductive material; and (c) a gel disposed between said electrodes, said gel comprising an alkaline aqueous electrolyte and silicon dioxide acting as a gelled electrolyte.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
A photoelectrochemical cell comprising: (a). a first electrode of cadmium telluride; (b) a second electrode of electrically conductive material; and (c) a gel disposed between said electrodes, said gel comprising an alkaline aqueous electrolyte and silicon dioxide acting as a gelled electrolyte.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cell as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said electrodes is a semiconductor, said semiconductors being of the opposite conductivity type.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A cell as defined in claim 1, wherein said second electrode is a wide bandgap semiconductor oxide layer transparent to light.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A cell as defined in claim 3, wherein said second electrode consists of tin doped indium oxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A photoelectrochemical cell comprising: (a) a first electrode of cadmium telluride; (b) a second electrode of electrically conductive material; and (c) a gel disposed between said electrodes, said gel comprising acetonitrile, iodine, lithium perchlorate, sodium iodide and silicon dioxide acting as a gellant.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A photoelectrochemical cell comprising: (a) a first electrode of cadmium telluride; (b) a second electrode of electrically conductive material; and (c) a gel disposed between said electrodes, said gel comprising acetonitrile, iodine, lithium perchlorate, sodium iodide and silicon dioxide acting as a gellant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A photoelectrochemical cell comprising: (a) a first electrode of cadmium telluride; (b) a second electrode of electrically conductive material; and (c) a gel disposed between said electrodes, said gel comprising water, potassium hydroxide and gelatine acting as a gellant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
A photoelectrochemical cell comprising: (a) a first electrode of cadmium telluride; (b) a second electrode of electrically conductive material; and (c) a gel disposed between said electrodes, said gel comprising water, potassium hydroxide and gelatine acting as a gellant.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
The process of forming a photoelectrochemical cell, said process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first and a second electrode, one of said electrodes being a photoactive semiconductor; (b) providing a thixotropic gel; (c) disposing said gel between the electrodes; vibrating the thus obtained gel to liquify the gel, thereby to optimize both the photocell voltage and current; and permitting the gel to reform.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
65 words
The process of forming a photoelectrochemical cell, said process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first and a second electrode, one of said electrodes being a photoactive semiconductor; (b) providing a thixotropic gel; (c) disposing said gel between the electrodes; vibrating the thus obtained gel to liquify the gel, thereby to optimize both the photocell voltage and current; and permitting the gel to reform.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-12 | 1984-02-11 | 1984-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-12 | 1988-02-11 | 1988-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-12 | 1992-02-11 | 1992-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |