Photovoltaic device containing an organic layer

Details Photovoltaic device containing an organic layer Photovoltaic device containing an organic layer

1977-04-20

1978-11-28

Mack, John H.

Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric

Thermoelectric

Radiation pyrometer

357 8, 357 15, 357 30, 250211J, 250212, H01L 3104, H01L 3106

Patent

active

041277384

ABSTRACT:
A photovoltaic device for the conversion of light (preferably in the visible spectrum) to electrical current consists of at least two electrodes (one of which must be substantially transparent to the light), each electrode being made of different materials and in which one electrode comprises an element that has a work function (generally expressed in electron volts) greater than that of aluminum (e.g. gold or silver) and the other electrode comprises an element that has a work function equal to or less than that of aluminum (e.g., aluminum or magnesium). Sandwiched between and in contact with the electrodes is a photoresponsive organic layer comprising at least one organic compound which, in general, has the capacity to sensitize or de-sensitize silver halides, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide, selenium and polyvinyl carbazole (examples of the organic compounds are the cyanine dyes, especially the merocyanine dyes). The electrode comprising an element having a work function equal to or less than aluminum forms a Schottky barrier with the organic layer. Optionally, an insulating film is interposed between the Schottky barrier elctrode and the organic layer.

REFERENCES:
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