Apparatus and methods for solar energy conversion using nanoscale cometal structures
US8431816B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and methods for solar conversion using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed herein. The cometal structures may be coaxial and coplanar. A nanoscale optics apparatus for use as a solar cell comprises a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each including a photovoltaic material located between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. A method of fabricating solar cells comprises preparing a plurality of nanoscale planar structures; coating a plurality of planar surfaces of the plurality of planar structures with a photovoltaic semiconductor while leaving space between the plurality of planar surfaces; and coating the photovoltaic semiconductor with an outer electrical conductor layer, wherein a portion of the outer electrical conductor layer is located between the planar structures to form coplanar structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.