Semiconductor Photosensitization with an Organometallic

摘要

The specific objectives of the Phase I research program were to prepare and test photocathodes with tetraazaannulenes (TAAs) as photosensitizers, to compare the performance of various TAAs in this application, and to demonstrate that a multi-electrode solar cell with TAA-sensitized photocathodes is technically feasible. The photoresponse of n-type SnO2-coated cathodes when covered with a thin layer of a TAA was evaluated. Cell performance data were obtained in an acidic Fe(+2)/Fe(+3) electrolyte. A direct relationship between cell performance and the first oxidation of half-wave potential of the TAAs tested was identified. The TAA was shown to be a p-type semiconductor capable of being the sole photoactive specie on a cathode in such stacked-electrode cells with an unoptimized power level of 5 uw/sq. cm.