Lateral collection photovoltaics
US8294025B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24174
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Lateral collection photovoltaic (LCP) structures based on micro- and nano-collecting elements are used to collect photogenerated carriers. In one set of embodiments, the collecting elements are arrayed on a conducting substrate. In certain versions, the collecting elements are substantially perpendicular to the conductor. In another set of embodiments, the micro- or nano-scale collecting elements do not have direct physical and electrical contact to any conducting substrate. In one version, both anode and cathode electrodes are laterally arrayed. In another version, the collecting elements of one electrode are a composite wherein a conductor is separated by an insulator, which is part of each collector element, from the opposing electrode residing on the substrate. In still another version, the collection of one electrode structure is a composite containing both the anode and the cathode collecting elements for collection. An active material is positioned among the collector elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.