Thin film photovoltaic converter and method of preparing same

摘要

The photovoltaic converter of the present invention comprises a thin film consisting essentially of a lattice of stacked carbon chains comprising alternating single and double bonds deposited on the surface of an electrode transparent to sunlight. The carbon lattice is prepared in situ by depositing and exposing a plastic film comprising a highly oriented polymer system to heat or other types of radiation for controlled degradation. The exposed surface of the degraded film is then covered with a vapor-deposited coating of aluminum, and is finally compressed with a metal electrode cover. Illumination directed onto the film induces an electromotive force at the interface of the degraded polymer and the transparent electrode, which constitutes a "Schottky barrier". A particular feature is the addition of the preformed polymer coating before degradation of electron-attracting molecules which serve as conductive bridges between the carbon layers in the residue.