Stable N-CuInSe.sub.2 /iodide-iodine photoelectrochemical cell

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:865703

Cahen, David ^[1]; Chen, Yih W ^[2]

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1. Rehovot, IL
2. Lakewood, CO

In a photoelectrochemical solar cell, stable output and solar efficiency in excess of 10% are achieved with a photoanode of n-CuInSe.sub.2 electrode material and an iodine/iodide redox couple used in a liquid electrolyte. The photoanode is prepared by treating the electrode material by chemical etching, for example in Br.sub.2 /MeOH; heating the etched electrode material in air or oxygen; depositing a surface film coating of indium on the electrode material after the initial heating; and thereafter again heating the electrode material in air or oxygen to oxidize the indium. The electrolyte is treated by the addition of Cu.sup.+ or Cu.sup.2+ salts and In.sup.3+ salts.

• Research Organization: Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, MO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4559282
• OSTI ID: 865703
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

stable
n-cuinse
iodide-iodine
photoelectrochemical
cell
solar
output
efficiency
excess
10
achieved
photoanode
electrode
material
iodine
iodide
redox
couple
liquid
electrolyte
prepared
treating
chemical
etching
example
br
meoh
heating
etched
air
oxygen
depositing
surface
film
coating
indium
initial
thereafter
oxidize
treated
addition
cu
salts
surface film
photoelectrochemical cell
chemical etching
solar cell
electrochemical cell
electrode material
film coating
liquid electrolyte
redox couple
stable output
initial heating
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