Photoelectrochemical cell employing discrete semiconductor bodies

Abstract

A photovoltaic cell includes a substrate having two conductive layers thereon and a plurality of discrete semiconductor bodies positioned on the conductive layers. In one embodiment discrete silicon particles of one conductivity type are positioned on one conductive layer and discrete silicon particles of opposite conductivity type are positioned on the other conductive layer. A redox system electrolyte contacts the particles whereby a voltage potential is generated across the two conductive layers in response to photons impinging on the semiconductor particles. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of spaced conductive layers are provided with both P type and N type silicon particles on each conductive layer. A redox electrolyte serially connects the bipolar cells of each conductive layer thereby providing a higher voltage potential. In making the devices, electrical potentials are applied to the conductive layers whereby charged silicon particles are attracted to selected conductive layers and repulsed by other conductive layers. The particles are affixed to the conductive layers by suitable finders or adhesives such as silicone resins.