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US 6,774,300 B2Granted
Apparatus and method for photovoltaic energy production based on internal charge emission in a solid-state heterostructure
AssigneeAdrena, Inc.
InventorEric W. McFarland
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for solar energy production comprises a multi-layer solid-state structure including a photosensitive layer, a thin conductor, a charge separation layer, and a back ohmic conductor, wherein light absorption occurs in a photosensitive layer and the charge carriers produced thereby are transported through the thin conductor through the adjacent potential energy barrier. The open circuit voltage of the solar cell can be manipulated by choosing from among a wide selection of materials making up the thin conductor, the charge separation layer, and the back ohmic layer.
Claims60
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- and
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer.
2 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer comprises a plurality of different photosensitive means to maximize capture of the incident light spectrum.
3 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- and
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer has a light receiving surface, and wherein the light receiving surface is patterned to provide increased surface area.
4 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer;
- wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminate the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is porous to provide increased surface area.
4 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- wherein the charge separation layer is porous to provide increased surface area.
3 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer form a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer and
- wherein the charge separation layer is structured to provide increased surface area.
2 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer;
- the conducting layer providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer;
- wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a metal-insulator-metal junction.
2 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer;
- the conducting layer providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer;
- wherein the charge separation layer comprises a semiconductor of a type, and further including a semiconductor of the opposite type positioned between the charge separation layer and the conducting layer to provide an increased barrier height and photovoltage.
2 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer and the chains separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- wherein the charge separation layer comprises an organic semiconductor.
3 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer;
- the conducting layer providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer;
- wherein the charge separation layer comprises an insulator/semiconductor multi-layer.
2 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- wherein the charge separation layer is formed from template molecules to provide an increased surface area.
3 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates, the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light enemy conversion layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is formed from template molecules to provide an increased surface area.
3 more elements
A multilayer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- a two-sided conducting layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a charge separation layer secured to a second side of the conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer and the charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the conducting layer comprises an ultra-thin metal film for providing ballistic transport of charge carriers from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- wherein the light energy conversion layer has a light receiving surface, and wherein the light receiving surface is provided with anti-reflection coating to reduce reflective light.
2 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer.
3 more elements
Multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal-film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of merbromin, 0-phenylxanthene, and iron cyanate.
5 more elements
The multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is formed from a material including at least one organic dye.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- and
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is formed from a material characterized by nanoclusters.
5 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is formed from a material characterized by nanostructures.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film layers having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is formed from a material including at least one metal cyanate.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer:
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is formed from a material including at least one metal photocyanate.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer:
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer comprises a plurality of different photosensitive means to maximize capture of the incident light spectrum.
4 more elements
multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer comprises a plurality of photosensitive means structures.
4 more elements
A the multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer has a light receiving surface, and wherein the light receiving surface is patterned to provide increased surface area.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer, and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer is porous to provide increased surface area.
3 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the semiconductor charge separation layer comprises an organic semiconductor.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the a semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the semiconductor charge separation layer comprises an insulator formed on an organic conductor.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting front contact layer having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the front contact layer;
- the front contact layer providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the charge separation layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the semiconductor charge separation layer comprises an insulator/semiconductor multi-layer.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the semiconductor charge separation layer is formed from template molecules to provide an increased surface area.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- a light energy conversion layer containing photosensitive means;
- an ultra-thin, two sided, electrically conducting metal film having the light energy conversion layer secured to a first side thereof;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the second side of the metal film, wherein the metal film and the semiconductor charge separation layer define a Schottky barrier;
- the metal film for providing ballistic transport of electrical energy from the light energy conversion layer to the semiconductor charge separation layer which eliminates the need for an electrolyte when producing electrical power from light that impinges upon the light energy conversion layer;
- an electrically conductive metal back contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer;
- and
- wherein the light energy conversion layer has a light receiving surface, and wherein the light receiving surface is provided with anti-reflection coating to reduce reflective light.
4 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- an ultra-thin electrically conducting film layer having first and second sides;
- a light energy conversion layer mounted on the first side of the ultra-thin film layer and comprising a PS-MIM photosynthesizer layer;
- a thin layer of insulating material secured to the second side of the ultra-thin film layer and comprising opposite sides;
- a two sided semiconductor charge separation layer having one side thereof secured to the side of the insulation layer opposite from the side thereof which is secured to the ultra-thin film layer;
- and
- an ohmic back metal contact secured to the second side of the semiconductor charge separation layer.
3 more elements
A multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light comprising:
- an ultra-thin electrically conducting film layer having first and second sides;
- a light energy conversion layer mounted on the first side of the ultra-thin film layer and comprising a PS-MIM photosynthesizer layer;
- a thin layer comprising a first type of semiconductor material secured to the second side of the ultra-thin film layer and comprising opposite sides;
- a two sided charge separation layer comprising the opposite type of semiconductor material having one side thereof secured to the side of the thin semiconductor layer opposite from the side thereof which is secured to the ultra-thin film layer;
- and
- an ohmic back metal contact secured to the second side of the charge separation layer.
3 more elements
The multi-layer solid-state device for producing electrical power from light according to claim wherein the conducting layer is formed from a non-metal conductor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.