scholarly journals Advancing colloidal quantum dot photovoltaic technology

Nanophotonics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Cheng ◽  
Ebuka S. Arinze ◽  
Nathan Palmquist ◽  
Susanna M. Thon
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Nanoparticle Synthesis ◽  
Photon Absorption ◽  
Absorption Enhancement ◽  
Photovoltaic Technology ◽  
Carrier Extraction ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

Abstract Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are attractive materials for solar cells due to their low cost, ease of fabrication and spectral tunability. Progress in CQD photovoltaic technology over the past decade has resulted in power conversion efficiencies approaching 10%. In this review, we give an overview of this progress, and discuss limiting mechanisms and paths for future improvement in CQD solar cell technology.We briefly summarize nanoparticle synthesis and film processing methods and evaluate the optoelectronic properties of CQD films, including the crucial role that surface ligands play in materials performance. We give an overview of device architecture engineering in CQD solar cells. The compromise between carrier extraction and photon absorption in CQD photovoltaics is analyzed along with different strategies for overcoming this trade-off. We then focus on recent advances in absorption enhancement through innovative device design and the use of nanophotonics. Several light-trapping schemes, which have resulted in large increases in cell photocurrent, are described in detail. In particular, integrating plasmonic elements into CQD devices has emerged as a promising approach to enhance photon absorption through both near-field coupling and far-field scattering effects. We also discuss strategies for overcoming the single junction efficiency limits in CQD solar cells, including tandem architectures, multiple exciton generation and hybrid materials schemes. Finally, we offer a perspective on future directions for the field and the most promising paths for achieving higher device efficiencies.

Robust Nanoscale Patterns for Thin Film Solar Cells Using Inverse Optimization of Nonuniformly Sampled Absorption Spectrum

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shima Hajimirza ◽  
John R. Howell
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Photon Absorption ◽  
Absorption Enhancement ◽  
Geometrical Parameters ◽  
Sensitivity Assessment

This paper outlines several techniques for systematic and efficient optimization as well as sensitivity assessment to fabrication tolerances of surface texturing patterns in thin film amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells. The aim is to achieve maximum absorption enhancement. We report the joint optimization of several geometrical parameters of a three dimensional lattice of periodic square silver nanoparticles, and an absorbing thin layer of a-Si, using constraint optimization tools and numerical FDTD simulations. Global and local optimization methods, such as the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno Quasi-Newton (BFGS-QN) and Simulated Annealing (SA) are employed concurrently for solving the inverse near field radiation problem. The design of the silver patterned solar panel is optimized to yield maximum average enhancement in photon absorption over the solar spectrum. The optimization techniques are expedited and improved by using a novel nonuniform adaptive spectral sampling technique. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the optimally designed parameters of the solar structure is analyzed by postulating a probabilistic model for the errors introduced in the fabrication process. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and Unscented Transform (UT) techniques are used for this purpose.

Geometric Light Trapping in 2D and 3D Structured Small Molecule Organic Solar Cells

2013 ◽  
Vol 1493 ◽  
pp. 317-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Soldera ◽  
Emiliano Estrada ◽  
Kurt Taretto
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Collection Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Normal Incidence ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Textured Surfaces ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies ◽  
2D And 3D

ABSTRACTDespite organic solar cells have recently shown remarkable high power conversion efficiencies approaching 10%, further improvements are required to provide a low-cost alternative to inorganic photovoltaics. Optical losses related to insufficient light trapping and parasitic absorption of the contact layers limit drastically the photocurrent delivered by the cells. Textured surfaces, such as V-grooves (2D) and pyramids (3D), can provide better light coupling into the conformally deposited solar cells. In this work, we analyze the enhancement in light absorption in textured solar cells based on copper phtalocyanine (CuPc) and fullerene (C60) on the micro- and submicroscale. The analysis is carried out with the aid of the finite element method in 2D and 3D, taking into account interference as well as reflection and refraction of the incident AM1.5G spectrum. The results show that both type of structured cells perform better than planar cells reaching up to 23% improvement in maximum photocurrent for normal incidence. We also explore the lateral inhomogeneities of the generation rate within the active layers and their potential effect on the exciton collection efficiency.

The optical near-field of randomly textured light trapping structures for thin-film solar cells

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Beckers ◽  
K. Bittkau ◽  
C. Rockstuhl ◽  
S. Fahr ◽  
F. Lederer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells

scholarly journals Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskites Open a New Era for Low-Cost, High Efficiency Solar Cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guiming Peng ◽  
Xueqing Xu ◽  
Gang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Perovskite Solar Cells ◽  
Device Structure ◽  
New Era ◽  
High Efficiency Solar Cells ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

The ramping solar energy to electricity conversion efficiencies of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells during the last five years have opened new doors to low-cost solar energy. The record power conversion efficiency has climbed to 19.3% in August 2014 and then jumped to 20.1% in November. In this review, the main achievements for perovskite solar cells categorized from a viewpoint of device structure are overviewed. The challenges and prospects for future development of this field are also briefly presented.

Incorporating Semiflexible Linkers into Double-Cable Conjugated Polymers via Click Reaction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaofan Yang ◽  
Shijie Liang ◽  
Baiqiao Liu ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Conjugated Polymers ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Click Reaction ◽  
Bulk Heterojunction ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Single Component ◽  
Photovoltaic Technology ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies ◽  
Excellent Stability

Single-component organic solar cells (SCOSCs) have been recognized as the promising photovoltaic technology due to the excellent stability, but their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) are far lagging their bulk-heterojunction counterparts....

scholarly journals Oblique Electrostatic Inkjet-Deposited TiO2 Electron Transport Layers for Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Shahiduzzaman ◽  
Toshiharu Sakuma ◽  
Tetsuya Kaneko ◽  
Koji Tomita ◽  
Masao Isomura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Electron Transport ◽  
Surface Coverage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Perovskite Solar Cells ◽  
Important Advance ◽  
Compact Layer ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies ◽  
First Time

AbstractIn this study, a new, simple, and novel oblique electrostatic inkjet (OEI) technique is developed to deposit a titanium oxide (TiO2) compact layer (CL) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate without the need for a vacuum environment for the first time. The TiO2 is used as electron transport layers (ETL) in planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This bottom-up OEI technique enables the control of the surface morphology and thickness of the TiO2 CL by simply manipulating the coating time. The OEI-fabricated TiO2 is characterized tested and the results are compared with that of TiO2 CLs produced by spin-coating and spray pyrolysis. The OEI-deposited TiO2 CL exhibits satisfactory surface coverage and smooth morphology, conducive for the ETLs in PSCs. The power-conversion efficiencies of PSCs with OEI-deposited TiO2 CL as the ETL were as high as 13.19%. Therefore, the present study provides an important advance in the effort to develop simple, low-cost, and easily scaled-up techniques. OEI may be a new candidate for depositing TiO2 CL ETLs for highly efficient planar PSCs, thus potentially contributing to future mass production.

scholarly journals Fabrication and Photovoltaic Characteristics of Coaxial Silicon Nanowire Solar Cells Prepared by Wet Chemical Etching

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Wei Liu ◽  
Chin-Lung Cheng ◽  
Bau-Tong Dai ◽  
Chi-Han Yang ◽  
Jun-Yuan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Silicon Nanowires ◽  
Chemical Etching ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Silicon Nanowire ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Etching Time ◽  
Wet Chemical ◽  
Wet Chemical Etching

Nanostructured solar cells with coaxial p-n junction structures have strong potential to enhance the performances of the silicon-based solar cells. This study demonstrates a radial junction silicon nanowire (RJSNW) solar cell that was fabricated simply and at low cost using wet chemical etching. Experimental results reveal that the reflectance of the silicon nanowires (SNWs) declines as their length increases. The excellent light trapping was mainly associated with high aspect ratio of the SNW arrays. A conversion efficiency of ∼7.1% and an external quantum efficiency of ∼64.6% at 700 nm were demonstrated. Control of etching time and diffusion conditions holds great promise for the development of future RJSNW solar cells. Improving the electrode/RJSNW contact will promote the collection of carries in coaxial core-shell SNW array solar cells.

scholarly journals Roll-to-roll gravure-printed flexible perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly antisolvent bathing with wide processing window

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Yun Kim ◽  
Tae-Youl Yang ◽  
Riikka Suhonen ◽  
Antti Kemppainen ◽  
Kyeongil Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Perovskite Phase ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Perovskite Solar Cells ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Butyl Alcohol ◽  
Processing Window ◽  
Roll To Roll ◽  
Tert Butyl Alcohol ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

Abstract Driven by recent improvements in efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), upscaling of PSCs has come to be regarded as the next step. Specifically, a high-throughput, low-cost roll-to-roll (R2R) processes would be a breakthrough to realize the commercialization of PSCs, with uniform formation of precursor wet film and complete conversion to perovskite phase via R2R-compatible processes necessary to accomplish this goal. Herein, we demonstrate the pilot-scale, fully R2R manufacturing of all the layers except for electrodes in PSCs. Tert-butyl alcohol (tBuOH) is introduced as an eco-friendly antisolvent with a wide processing window. Highly crystalline, uniform formamidinium (FA)-based perovskite formation via tBuOH:EA bathing was confirmed by achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 23.5% for glass-based spin-coated PSCs, and 19.1% for gravure-printed flexible PSCs. As an extended work, R2R gravure-printing and tBuOH:EA bathing resulted in the highest PCE reported for R2R-processed PSCs, 16.7% for PSCs with R2R-processed SnO2/FA-perovskite, and 13.8% for fully R2R-produced PSCs.

scholarly journals Sustainable Organic Dyes from Winemaking Lees for Photoelectrochemical Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 2149
Author(s):  
Manuel Meneghetti ◽  
Aldo Talon ◽  
Elti Cattaruzza ◽  
Emilio Celotti ◽  
Elisabetta Bellantuono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Dyes ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Simulated Solar Light ◽  
Dye Sensitized ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies ◽  
Sensitized Solar Cells

During the last two decades, Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) have received a great deal of attention as a promising, low-cost alternative to conventional silicon photovoltaic devices. Natural dye molecules can be used as a sensitizer for their low cost, good light absorbance, easy preparation process, and biodegradability. In this study, dyes were obtained from wine lees, the last by-product of winemaking process, supplied by a venetian winery (Italy). Polyphenols, like tannins and anthocyanins, which were extracted from winemaking lees, were adsorbed on a nanostructured ordered mesoporous titanium dioxide, previously treated at different temperatures (400–600 °C). Both dyes and titania semiconductor samples were studied with different techniques. The tests were carried out on prototypes to evaluate the cell power and the photocurrent generated under simulated solar light irradiation. The obtained solar energy conversion efficiencies are comparable to those that were reported in literature by using organic dyes extracted from vegetables, fruits, and plants. It is significant that these dyes are largely available and cost effective, since recovered from a waste otherwise to be disposed of, opening up a perspective of feasibility for inexpensive and environmentally friendly dye solar cells to generate green electricity and transforming agri-food waste into a resource.

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