Article
Energy & Fuels
Bernice Mae Yu Jeco-Espaldon, Ryo Tamaki, Maxime Giteau, Hao Xu, Nazmul Ahsan, Richard R. King, Yoshitaka Okada
Summary: Perimeter recombination is one of the causes for the nonuniform luminescent coupling effect in III-V multijunction solar cells. Electrical passivation of the multijunction solar cell perimeter can significantly improve current collection and homogeneity, resulting in an increase in absolute conversion efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryan M. France, John F. Geisz, Tao Song, Waldo Olavarria, Michelle Young, Alan Kibbler, Myles A. Steiner
Summary: The design of multijunction solar cells takes into account both the theoretical optimal bandgap combination and the realistic limitations of materials. By modifying the bandgap of the middle cell using thick GaInAs/GaAsP strain-balanced quantum well solar cells, a high-efficiency triple-junction inverted metamorphic multijunction device has been achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yubin Park, Bo Zhao, Shanhui Fan
Summary: The Landsberg limit represents the ultimate efficiency limit of solar energy harvesting, which can be reached by using nonreciprocal elements. A nonreciprocal multijunction solar cell has been introduced, showing that it can reach the Landsberg limit with an infinite number of layers and outperform a standard reciprocal cell with a finite number of layers. This work simplifies the device configuration needed to reach the ultimate limit of solar energy conversion and suggests a way to improve solar energy harvesting using nonreciprocity.
Article
Optics
Xiudong Cao, Zida Zheng, Yi Zhang, Ye Tian, Kai Ye, Chao Luo, Heng Zhang, Xiaowei Zhang
Summary: Advances in solar energy harvesting technology require innovative approaches. In this work, metal nanoparticles are used to improve the optical performance of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). The plasmonic luminescent solar concentrators (PLSCs) with CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) showed optimal performance at an Au NPs concentration of 2 x 10-4 wt%. Higher concentrations of Au NPs led to non-radiative energy transfer and decreased emission. The overall optical performance of PLSCs depends on excitation rate and non-radiative energy transfer efficiency.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tomi K. K. Baikie, James Xiao, Bluebell H. H. Drummond, Neil C. C. Greenham, Akshay Rao
Summary: Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have the potential to improve solar energy capture when coupled to traditional photovoltaics (PV) by concentrating direct and diffuse solar radiation onto a smaller area of PV. However, LSCs suffer from various optical losses that are difficult to quantify with simple power conversion efficiency measurements. In this study, we used spatially resolved photoluminescence quantum efficiency measurements to identify and analyze different loss processes in large-area LSCs, including out-coupling, self-absorption via emitters, and self-absorption from the LSC matrix. These measurements also provided insights into the optimization of optical properties and guided the design of future LSCs for improved solar energy capture.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bryce S. Richards, Ian A. Howard
Summary: This review examines the application of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), both in terms of opaque facade elements and as semi-transparent windows. Many luminophores have been developed for LSC applications, and their efficiencies examined in lab-scale devices. The review also discusses the technical challenges to scaling these devices to larger modules and the potential for utilizing LSCs as power-generating window elements.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Haixiang Liu, Wei He, Xianghua Liu, Jian Zhu, Hancheng Yu, Zhongting Hu
Summary: This paper proposes a building integrated concentrating photovoltaic window that combines luminescent solar concentrator and thermotropic material. Experimental results show that it can effectively reduce solar heat gain and increase power output, making it suitable for sustainable buildings.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Timothy Warner, Kenneth P. Ghiggino, Gary Rosengarten
Summary: Recent efforts have been made to address the lack of consensus on terminology and reporting of experimental results in the field of luminescent solar concentrators. This analysis aims to recommend clear and consistent terminology for future publications. The study suggests that luminescent solar concentrator photovoltaics (LSC-PV) should be treated as integrated photovoltaic cells and their power conversion efficiency (PCE) and external quantum efficiency (EQELsc(A)) should be reported. The term optical efficiency has been defined inconsistently and should be interpreted with caution. The validity and significance of the highest reported LSC efficiency metrics have been assessed.
Article
Energy & Fuels
D. Akira Engelbrecht, Ron Synowicki, Thomas Tiedje
Summary: Efficiency of GaAs/Si tandem solar cells can be optimized by introducing an air gap between the GaAs and Si layers. By adjusting the thickness of the GaAs and Si layers, as well as the size of the air gap and the contact between the layers, higher efficiency solar cells can be achieved.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Elisa Della Latta, Francesca Sabatini, Cosimo Micheletti, Marco Carlotti, Francesca Martini, Francesca Nardelli, Antonella Battisti, Ilaria Degano, Marco Geppi, Andrea Pucci, Svenja Pohl, Guido Kickelbick
Summary: In this study, flexible luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) with a size of 5 x 5 cm(2) were prepared by integrating a reactive perylene bisimide fluorophore (FC546) into a polysiloxane network. The LSCs exhibited higher thermal and light stability, as well as superior device efficiency, compared to other similar-sized flexible LSC systems.
Article
Thermodynamics
Ying Nie, Wei He, Xianghua Liu, Zhongting Hu, Hancheng Yu, Haixiang Liu
Summary: This study presents a smart luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) for building integrated concentrating photovoltaic (BICPV) windows. The proposed smart LSC combines fluorescent dyes with thermochromic materials to enhance photoelectric conversion efficiency and create a dynamic response mechanism to solar radiation and temperature changes. By conducting optical simulations and outdoor experiments, the research provides design parameters for a BICPV smart window system with improved power generation efficiency.
BUILDING SIMULATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sumit S. Bhosale, Efat Jokar, Yi-Ting Chiang, Chieh-Hsi Kuan, Kiana Khodakarami, Zahra Hosseini, Fang-Chung Chen, Eric Wei-Guang Diau
Summary: The robust method of hot addition was used to prepare Mn-doped MAPbCl(3) perovskite nanocrystals, which showed improved optical efficiency in luminescent solar concentrators when incorporated with silicon solar-cell modules. A Monte-Carlo ray-tracing simulation was developed to improve understanding of experimental results and estimate device performance for future applications in building-integrated photovoltaic devices.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunhai Zhao, Shuo Chen, Muhammad Ishaq, Michel Cathelinaud, Chang Yan, Hongli Ma, Ping Fan, Xianghua Zhang, Zhenghua Su, Guangxing Liang
Summary: The double gradient bandgap absorber has the potential to enhance carrier collection and improve the performance of solar cells. This study successfully achieved a double gradient bandgap structure in CZTSSe absorber by spin-coating K2S solution during the preparation process, and the position and depth of the bandgap minimum could be controlled. The high-efficiency CZTSSe device achieved a promising efficiency of 13.70%.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Haodong Huang, Meng Lin
Summary: High-temperature solar receivers are essential components in concentrated solar energy systems, and a numerical model has been developed to evaluate their thermal conversion behavior under different design parameters. The study found that windowless receivers generally have higher optical efficiency compared to window receivers, but in some cases, window receivers can surpass windowless receivers. Optimization of porosity and pore diameter can enhance the performance of both types of receivers.
Article
Optics
Xi Lu, Jingjian Zhou, Madhuri Jash, Ilya Sychugov
Summary: This Letter presents an analytical approach to estimate the waveguiding efficiency of large-area luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) and verifies the theory through the fabrication of a silicon quantum dot-based LSC. The model provides a physically relevant description of the optical and geometrical parameters of rectangular LSCs, serving as a straightforward analysis tool for large-area LSCs.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Micha Ben-Naim, Chase W. Aldridge, Myles A. Steiner, Reuben J. Britto, Adam C. Nielander, Laurie A. King, Todd G. Deutsch, James L. Young, Thomas F. Jaramillo
Summary: This study provides a systematic investigation into the durability of GaInP2 systems and finds that the photocathode with both a capping layer and window layer demonstrates the highest PEC performance and longest lifetime.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alina LaPotin, Kevin L. Schulte, Myles A. Steiner, Kyle Buznitsky, Colin C. Kelsall, Daniel J. Friedman, Eric J. Tervo, Ryan M. France, Michelle R. Young, Andrew Rohskopf, Shomik Verma, Evelyn N. Wang, Asegun Henry
Summary: Thermophotovoltaics (TPVs) convert infrared light into electricity, enabling energy storage and conversion using high temperature heat sources. This study reports the fabrication and measurement of high-efficiency TPV cells, demonstrating the efficiency of high-bandgap tandem TPV cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Madhan K. Arulanandam, Myles A. Steiner, Eric J. Tervo, Alexandra R. Young, Leah Y. Kuritzky, Emmett E. Perl, Tarun C. Narayan, Brendan M. Kayes, Justin A. Briggs, Richard R. King
Summary: This study demonstrates GaAs thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices with a patterned dielectric back contact architecture, which can improve the energy conversion efficiency by controlling the contact structure.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Eric J. Tervo, Myles A. Steiner
Summary: In this study, a highly selective solar thermal absorber with an extremely sharp transition from high to low absorptance was modeled, fabricated, and characterized. The absorber achieved high solar absorption and low thermal emission losses by precise control of the material composition and structure.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jeronimo Buencuerpo, Theresa E. Saenz, Mark Steger, Michelle Young, Emily L. Warren, John F. Geisz, Myles A. Steiner, Adele C. Tamboli
Summary: Ultrathin solar cells, with one order of magnitude smaller thickness compared to conventional cells, reduce material usage and allow the use of lower-quality materials. Efficient photonic light-trapping is required to compensate for the limited absorber thickness. Quasi-random photonic crystals, which are more robust under angle and thickness variations, are predicted to provide high efficiency light-trapping. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate the use of quasi-random photonic crystals fabricated by polymer blend lithography for light-trapping in ultrathin GaAs cells, achieving an efficiency of 22.35% under the global solar spectrum.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryan M. France, John F. Geisz, Tao Song, Waldo Olavarria, Michelle Young, Alan Kibbler, Myles A. Steiner
Summary: The design of multijunction solar cells takes into account both the theoretical optimal bandgap combination and the realistic limitations of materials. By modifying the bandgap of the middle cell using thick GaInAs/GaAsP strain-balanced quantum well solar cells, a high-efficiency triple-junction inverted metamorphic multijunction device has been achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Eric J. Tervo, Ryan M. France, Daniel J. Friedman, Madhan K. Arulanandam, Richard R. King, Tarun C. Narayan, Cecilia Luciano, Dustin P. Nizamian, Benjamin A. Johnson, Alexandra R. Young, Leah Y. Kuritzky, Emmett E. Perl, Moritz Limpinsel, Brendan M. Kayes, Andrew J. Ponec, David M. Bierman, Justin A. Briggs, Myles A. Steiner
Summary: Thermophotovoltaics is a promising solid-state energy converter with potential applications in grid-scale energy storage, concentrating solar-thermal power, and waste-heat recovery. Through good spectral management, optimized cell architecture, excellent material quality, and low series resistance, we have successfully designed, fabricated, and tested high-efficiency large-area thermophotovoltaic devices with an efficiency of up to 38.8% and an electrical power density of 3.78 W/cm(2) at a high emitter temperature of 1850℃.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Tao Song, Charles Mack, Rafell Williams, Daniel J. Friedman, Nikos Kopidakis
Summary: This article discusses the special performance measurement points and methods of perovskite multijunctions, including the measurement of spectral response, spectrum adjustment, and protocols for measuring the power output of the device at STC. It also presents common errors and pitfalls, as well as methods for evaluating data accuracy when a spectrally adjustable solar simulator is not available. Finally, performance measurement methods are recommended for high throughput situations.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Olivia J. J. Alley, Keenan Wyatt, Myles A. A. Steiner, Guiji Liu, Tobias Kistler, Guosong Zeng, David M. M. Larson, Jason K. K. Cooper, James L. Young, Todd G. G. Deutsch, Francesca M. M. Toma
Summary: This article introduces how to prepare and measure photoelectrochemical components to improve solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, and discusses common issues when comparing results obtained in different labs and by different groups.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Ryan M. France, Jennifer Selvidge, Kunal Mukherjee, Myles A. Steiner
Summary: GaAs is commonly used as a multijunction subcell despite its non-optimal bandgap, thanks to its high material quality. The bandgap can be effectively reduced by using multiple layers of thin, strain-balanced GaInAs in superlattice or quantum well devices. However, achieving excellent carrier collection without increased recombination has proven to be challenging.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Crystallography
Jacob T. Boyer, Anna K. Braun, Kevin L. Schulte, John Simon, Steven W. Johnston, Harvey L. Guthrey, Myles A. Steiner, Corinne E. Packard, Aaron J. Ptak
Summary: We investigated the impact of growth on non-(100) surfaces on the defect structure of GaAs solar cell layers grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). Surface roughness and faceting were reduced through the anisotropic growth rate of HVPE, resulting in improved solar cell performance and material quality. Recombination and extended defects were observed in areas where planarization was incomplete, possibly due to strain caused by compositional fluctuations in ternary alloys. This study highlights the potential issues and provides insights for achieving high-performance III-V photovoltaics with the cost-reduction potential of controlled spalling.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Benjamin A. Reeves, Myles A. Steiner, Thomas E. Carver, Ze Zhang, Aaron M. Lindenberg, Bruce M. Clemens
Summary: We successfully separated single-crystalline multilayer III-V solar cells from GaAs substrates using an unfocused Nd:YAG laser pulse. The resulting device has a power conversion efficiency of 17.4% and an open-circuit voltage of 1.07 V, comparable to cells produced via conventional processes.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Micha Ben-Naim, Chase W. Aldridge, Myles A. Steiner, Adam C. Nielander, Todd G. Deustch, James L. Young, Thomas F. Jaramillo
Summary: This article introduces a versatile photoreactor system for outdoor PEC testing and demonstrates the ability to perform photoelectrochemical water splitting under real solar illumination conditions. The GaInP2/GaAs tandem absorber photoelectrodes with a MoS2 catalyst achieved a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of over 8%. The presented methods and capabilities can accelerate the development of other solar fuel generating systems and technologies.
