Photoelectrochemical cell employing discrete semiconductor bodies

A photovoltaic cell array comprising

• an insulative substrate,
• a plurality of conductive layers on a major surface of said substrate, said plurality of conductive layers being in spaced, generally parallel alignment,
• a first semiconductive material of one conductivity type and a second semiconductor material of opposite conductivity type positioned on each of said conductive layers,
• an electrically insulative layer overlying said major surface and said first and second conductive layers with said first and second semiconductor materials being selectively exposed through said insulative material,
• an electrolytic solution in the regions overlaying said surface between said conductive layers and in contact with said first and second semiconductor materials, and
• transparent cover means enclosing said electrolytic solution and through which light can pass and impinge on said first and second semiconductor material, said cover means confining said electrolytic solution to said regions overlaying said surface between said conductive layers.

A photovoltaic cell comprising

• an insulative substrate,
• a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer on a major surface of said substrate, said first and second conductive layers being interleaved,
• a first semiconductor material comprising a plurality of first discrete bodies positioned on said first conductive layer, each of said first discrete bodies having a core material of first conductivity type, an outer layer of material of second conductivity type and a stable metallized surface which is transparent to light, said core material contacting said first conductive layer,
• a second semiconductor material comprising a plurality of second discrete bodies positioned on said second conductor layer, each of said second discrete bodies having a core material of said second conductivity type, an outer layer of material of said first conductivity type, and a stable metallized surface, said core material contacting said second conductive layer,
• an electrically insulative layer overlying said major surface and said first and second conductive layers with said stable metallized surfaces exposed through said insulative material,
• an electrolytic solution overlaying said major surface and in contact wih said stable metallized surfaces of said first and second semiconductor materials, and
• means enclosing said electrolytic solution through which light can pass and impinge on said first and second semiconductor materials.