Cathode-driven or assisted solar cell
US9732431B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/133
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one form, a photoelectrochemical cell comprising a p-type sensitized photocathode including a sensitizer dye and a water-based electrolyte. In another form, the sensitizer dye and an adjacent semiconductor may have a reduction potential that is sufficiently high to either reduce a desired chemical feedstock in the cell or reduce protons in the water to hydrogen gas. The semiconductor to which the sensitizer dye is affixed may be nickel oxide. The photoelectrochemical cell can include a sensitized photocathode and an electrolyte that contains an electron acceptor, where light illumination of the sensitized photocathode results in reduction of the electron acceptor. The electrolyte can include water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.