Hybrid photovoltaic and thermionic energy converter

The current invention uses a combination of technologies from dye-sensitized solar cells, and from thermionic generators, to form a unique, efficient, broad spectrum solar radiation to electric power converter. Light passing through the cell first passes through a dye-sensitized matrix of nanoporous semiconductor. Light within the absorption spectrum of the dye is absorbed and converted into electrons which are injected into the conduction band of the semiconductor matrix. Light, which is not absorbed by the dye, passes on to cathode. The cathode is heated upon absorbing the incoming radiation. At a temperature dependent on the work function of the cathode, the cathode emits electrons thermionically, thereby cooling the cathode. These electrons replenish the electrons in the dye, thus completing the flow of current between cathode and anode. The hot cathode is thermally isolated from portions of the device at ambient temperature, thereby minimizing parasitic thermal loss. The device produces electricity similar to a two junction photovoltaic cell in that the anode is added to the cathode voltage.