Article
Crystallography
Laura M. Perez, Asmae El Aouami, Kawtar Feddi, Vittorianna Tasco, Abdellatif Ben Abdellah, Francis Dujardin, Maykel Courel, Javier A. Riquelme, David Laroze, E. L. Mustapha Feddi
Summary: This study focuses on improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by juxtaposing two different combinations of quantum dots in the I region of the PIN junction, aiming to determine the optimized parameters. By controlling the size and inter-dot distance of quantum dots, the intermediate band can be tailored to enhance solar cell efficiency.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Asmae El Aouami, Kawtar Feddi, Maykel Courel, Francis Dujardin, David Laroze, Laura M. Perez, Mimoun Zazoui, El Mustapha Feddi
Summary: The study examines the impact of quantum dot size on CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS quantum dot solar cells, emphasizing the critical importance of controlling quantum dot size for high efficiency. The results demonstrate that open-circuit voltage is weakly dependent on dot size for both systems, while short-circuit current density increases with dot size. Maximum efficiency values of 31.73% and 32.90% are achieved for CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS, respectively, under full concentrated light for a dot size of 2.3 nm, showcasing the potential of these proposed heterostructures.
Article
Optics
Shenglin Wang, Xiaoguang Yang, Hongyu Chai, Zunren Lv, Shuai Wang, Haomiao Wang, Hong Wang, Lei Meng, Tao Yang
Summary: The dual intermediate band solar cell, with its extended absorption range, is proposed as a high-efficiency solar cell. This study explores a novel device with dual intermediate bands, achieving an efficiency of 86.5% at full concentration. Additionally, the performance of the IBSC based on InAs/InGaAs quantum dots is investigated, with an efficiency of 74.4% achieved at 75% In composition. It is highlighted that the transition process between the dual intermediate bands significantly impacts the efficiency, emphasizing the importance of precise design.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yasushi Shoji, Ryo Tamaki, Yoshitaka Okada
Summary: The use of GaSb quantum nanostructures in intermediate-band solar cells (IBSCs) has shown promising results, with GaSb quantum dots and quantum rings successfully fabricated on AlGaAs layers. The mechanism of current generation via two-step optical excitations through the intermediate band has been demonstrated through these structures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucas Cuadra, Sancho Salcedo-Sanz, Jose Carlos Nieto-Borge
Summary: This paper presents a network model for studying the transport behavior of electrons and holes in IB solar cells, and proposes a design constraint of reducing carrier effective mass and inter-dot distance to increase transport efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Inigo Ramiro, Antonio Marti
Summary: The intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) has attracted significant attention as a high-efficiency photovoltaic technology. While IBSC research has reached a mature stage theoretically and experimentally, there is confusion about the transition from proof of concept to high efficiency. Researchers believe that further exploration is needed to determine the next steps in developing IBSC technology.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Asmae El Aouami, Laura M. Perez, Kawtar Feddi, Mohamed El-Yadri, Francis Dujardin, Manuel J. Suazo, David Laroze, Maykel Courel, El Mustapha Feddi
Summary: The shape of quantum dots has a significant impact on the electronic and photonic characteristics of intermediate band solar cells, with cubic quantum dots showing the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shanshan Ding, Julian A. Steele, Peng Chen, Tongen Lin, Dongxu He, Chengxi Zhang, Xiangqian Fan, Eduardo Solano, Andrew K. Whittaker, Mengmeng Hao, Lianzhou Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the surface passivation of formamidinium lead iodide quantum dots (QDs) by introducing tailored multifunctional ligands (glycocyamine (GLA)), leading to improved energy band alignment and enhanced device performance. The use of GLA ligands reduces non-radiative recombination loss and promotes favorable charge transport. This results in a record-high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.34% and improved device stability.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rebeca V. H. Hahn, Salvador Rodriguez-Bolivar, Panagiotis Rodosthenous, Erik S. Skibinsky-Gitlin, Marco Califano, Francisco M. Gomez-Campos
Summary: We present a theoretical atomistic study of the optical properties of non-toxic InX (X = P, As, Sb) colloidal quantum dot arrays for application in photovoltaics. Our results shed light on the optical behaviour of these novel multi-dimensional nanomaterials and identify some of them as ideal building blocks for intermediate band solar cells.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weiguang Chi, Sanjay K. Banerjee
Summary: This review introduces the advantages of quantum dot materials in improving the performance of perovskite solar cells, including nano-size effect, multiple-exciton generation, phase stability, and hysteresis suppression. The role of QDs in enhancing device performance is clarified through band engineering, tunable surface chemistry, and compositional engineering, as well as their contribution to environmentally friendly devices. Ongoing challenges and the future prospects of PSCs with QDs are also discussed.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu Liu, Adel Najar, Kai Wang, Minyong Du, Shengzhong Liu
Summary: This article reviews the achievements of applying PQDs to solar cells in recent years, including the engineering of surface ligands, additives, and hybrid composition for PQDSCs, analyzing the reasons for the undesired performance of PQDSCs, and utilizing PQDs to improve the photovoltaic performance of various solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tao Song, Daniel J. Friedman, Nikos Kopidakis
Summary: Emerging photovoltaic technologies have gained remarkable attention for their rapid efficiency growth and transition toward commercialization. Accurate efficiency measurements are crucial for these technologies, but are more complicated due to their dynamic responses and susceptibility to degradation. Comprehensive efficiency calibration and reporting steady-state efficiency are important for better comparisons between reported efficiencies.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sikandar Aftab, Muhammad Zahir Iqbal, Sajjad Hussain, Fahmid Kabir, Abdullah A. Al-Kahtani, Hosameldin Helmy Hegazy
Summary: Nanocrystals, also known as semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), have unique electronic structures and quantum confinement effects that make them suitable for optoelectronic device applications, including solar cells. This review article outlines the synthesis of QD materials and their impact on solar cell performance. It demonstrates that QD treatment can significantly improve the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells. The conclusions from this review are important for further advancements and understanding of QD solar cells and their interaction with different materials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jian Ni, Jiayi Guan, Minghao Hu, Rufeng Wang, Zhiwei Yang, Jun Li, Shuai Zhang, Sen Li, Juan Li, Hongkun Cai, Jianjun Zhang
Summary: Inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells have attracted attention for their low cost and resistance to environmental factors. However, the crystallization mechanism and valence band offset limitations hinder efficiency improvement. By optimizing the crystallization process and using quantum dots for modification, higher efficiencies and stability can be achieved.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Maetee Kunrugsa
Summary: The study calculates absorption coefficients and characteristics of GaSb/GaAs quantum dot (QDs) solar cells. It finds that interband absorption is more prominent and proposes a model to predict the current density and voltage curve of real devices.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Inigo Ramiro, Antonio Marti
Summary: The intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) has attracted significant attention as a high-efficiency photovoltaic technology. While IBSC research has reached a mature stage theoretically and experimentally, there is confusion about the transition from proof of concept to high efficiency. Researchers believe that further exploration is needed to determine the next steps in developing IBSC technology.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Simon A. Svatek, Carlos Bueno-Blanco, Der-Yuh Lin, James Kerfoot, Carlos Macias, Marius H. Zehender, Ignacio Tobias, Pablo Garcia-Linares, Takashi Taniguchi, Kenji Watanabe, Peter Beton, Elisa Antolin
Summary: This study demonstrates a significant improvement in open-circuit voltage to 1.02 V in vertically stacked homojunction solar cells fabricated with doped MoS2, compared to traditional TMDC heterostructures. The high open-circuit voltage confirms the potential of doped MoS2 for highly efficient solar cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Juan Villa, Inigo Ramiro, Jose Maria Ripalda, Ignacio Tobias, Pablo Garcia-Linares, Elisa Antolin, Antonio Marti
Summary: This study aims to investigate the absorption of below-bandgap energy photons in IBSCs by manufacturing and characterizing a QD IBSC with a single QD layer, with and without light trapping elements.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elisa Antolin, Marius H. Zehender, Simon A. Svatek, Myles A. Steiner, Mario Martinez, Ivan Garcia, Pablo Garcia-Linares, Emily L. Warren, Adele C. Tamboli, Antonio Marti
Summary: Conventional solar cells use pn junctions as building blocks, while three-terminal heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cells utilize a bipolar transistor structure. The maximum efficiency of this solar cell is equivalent to that of a double-junction solar cell, but its minimal structure is simpler due to the absence of tunnel junctions.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
A. Bellucci, P. G. Linares, J. Villa, A. Marti, A. Datas, D. M. Trucchi
Summary: This research demonstrates a thermionic-photovoltaic (TIPV) converter that utilizes both electrons and photons emitted by a hot cathode to generate electric power. By using a tungsten cathode and an In0.53Ga0.47As photovoltaic (PV) anode, the TIPV converter achieves a higher output voltage compared to a thermionic energy converter made of the same materials. Furthermore, by engineering the work function of the materials, a significant increase in output power has been achieved.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Carlos Bueno-Blanco, Simon A. Svatek, Elisa Antolin
Summary: Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are proposed as light absorber materials for ultrathin solar cells due to their strong light-matter interaction and the possibility of room temperature device assembly. Research shows that MoS2 absorbers as thin as 10 nm sandwiched between a h-BN top layer and an optically thick Ag reflector can absorb up to 87% of photons in the 300-700 nm range of the AM1.5G spectrum. The high broadband absorption is achieved through the amplification of the zeroth Fabry-Perot interference mode in the light-trapping structures.
Article
Physics, Applied
Antonio Marti, Elisa Antolin, Inigo Ramiro
Summary: The hot-carrier solar cell (HCSC) has the potential for high energy conversion efficiency, but requires specific energy-selective contacts for external load connection. This study models electron transport in nonideal contacts and explores their thermodynamic properties, finding that specific electron states are needed to maintain high efficiency and that higher temperatures are required for optimal efficiency as the contacts deviate from ideality.
PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Marius H. Zehender, Yang Chen, Enrique Barrigon, Antonio Marti, Magnus T. Borgstrom, Elisa Antolin
Summary: The research presents an optical design study on a nanowire heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell, demonstrating its optical performance similar to comparable planar devices. The novel architecture allows for independent power extraction from the two junctions and simplifies nanowire growth, with the nanowires covering only 1/3 of the substrate area. Additionally, it enables the growth of lattice-mismatched semiconductor combinations, increasing the detailed balance efficiency limit.
2021 IEEE 48TH PHOTOVOLTAIC SPECIALISTS CONFERENCE (PVSC)
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Mario Martinez, Simon A. Svatek, Marius H. Zehender, Myles A. Steiner, Emily L. Warren, Adele C. Tamboli, William E. McMahon, Ines Duran, Antonio Marti, Elisa Antolin
Summary: The heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell (HBTSC) is an alternative to conventional double-junction solar cells that combines the advantages of three-terminal architectures with a compact design. The implementation of a compensated contact, leaving a thin portion of emitter or collector between the base layer and the contact metals, is proposed to optimize the HBTSC fabrication process. This compensated contact technology shows promise in achieving open-circuit voltages and fill factors comparable to conventional multijunction solar cell architectures.
2021 IEEE 48TH PHOTOVOLTAIC SPECIALISTS CONFERENCE (PVSC)
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Carlos Bueno-Blanco, Simon A. Svatek, Der-Yuh Lin, Mario Martinez, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Elisa Antolin
Summary: The performance of MoS2 homojunction solar cells is affected by the quality of metal/semiconductor contacts, particularly due to the presence of photoactive Schottky barriers. In this type of solar cells, the Schottky barriers at the contacts reduce the open-circuit voltage and the fill factor.
2021 IEEE 48TH PHOTOVOLTAIC SPECIALISTS CONFERENCE (PVSC)
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. A. Babaryk, Y. Perez, M. Martinez, M. E. G. Mosquera, M. H. Zehender, S. A. Svatek, E. Antolin, P. Horcajada
Summary: Lead-free hybrid perovskites based on bismuth have been synthesized with good stability and optoelectronic properties, making them suitable as absorber materials in solar cells. These perovskites exhibit negligible toxicity and moderate price, attracting significant attention from researchers.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
