Polaroid Corporation

Chemmotif, Inc.

Anne Ehret

Stephen J Telfer

John L Marshall

John C Warner

Larry C Takiff

Mark T Spitler

Louis S Stuhl

Rita S Baker

This invention relates to dye sensitized polycrystalline photoelectrochemical solar cells for use in energy transduction from light to electricity. It concerns the utility of highly absorbing organic chromophores as sensitizers in such cells and the degree to which they may be utilized alone and in combination to produce an efficient photoelectrochemical cell, e.g., a regenerative solar cell.

Spectral sensitization of nanocrystalline solar cells

A process for producing and fixing an image uses an imaging medium comprising an acid-generating layer or phase comprising a mixture of a superacid precursor, a sensitizer and a secondary acid generator, and a color-change layer comprising an image dye. The sensitizer can absorb radiation of a sensitizer wavelength which does not, in the absence of the sensitizer, cause decomposition of the superacid precursor to form the corresponding superacid. The secondary acid generator is capable of acid-catalyzed thermal decomposition by the first acid to form a secondary acid, and the image dye undergoes a color change upon contact with the secondary acid. The medium is imagewise exposed to radiation of the sensitizer wavelength, thereby causing the sensitizer, in exposed areas, to decompose superacid precursor with formation of the fist acid. The medium is then heated to cause, in the exposed areas, acid-catalyzed thermal decomposition of the secondary acid generator and formation of the secondary acid. The components of the acid-generating and color-change layers or phases are mixed so that in exposed areas, the secondary acid causes the image dye to change color. At least the non-exposed areas, there is reacted with the superacid precursor a reactive material which irreversibly destroys the superacid precursor, thus fixing the image.

Process for fixing an image, and medium for use therein

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Malden, MA, United States of America

Anne Ehret