Add BrightSurf on Google Email

One-way street for electrons

Researchers have observed a one-way street for electrons in a nanomaterial, where conical intersections channel energy in a certain direction with high probability. This phenomenon has implications for the development of more efficient organic solar cell devices and potentially artificial eyes from nanostructures.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 20, 2020

Green hydrogen: Buoyancy-driven convection in the electrolyte

The team used fluorescent pH-sensor foils to visualize changes in local pH during electrolysis, observing a clockwise motion of the electrolyte and fluctuations in density due to electrochemical reactions. They developed a multiphysics model to simulate natural convection in electrochemical cells with various electrolytes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 19, 2020

A question of affinity

Scientists have discovered that ionization energy is more crucial than electron affinity in determining the efficiency of organic solar cells. This finding allows for precise design rules to be derived, aiming to maximize solar cell efficiency and potentially leading to transparent solar cells with high efficiency.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 27, 2020

Surrey is leading the way in perovskite tandem solar cells

The University of Surrey has made significant advancements in perovskite tandem solar cells, achieving higher power conversion efficiencies through adjustments to thickness and the development of more effective protective layers. This progress holds promise for accelerating commercialization and promoting a shift towards green energy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalChemical Reviews·DateOct 16, 2020

Multi-institutional team extracts more energy from sunlight with advanced solar panels

A new study shows that layering advanced materials atop traditional silicon can produce multilayered solar panels with improved efficiency. The researchers used a precisely controlled fabrication process to create the new panels, which have the potential to convert more sunlight into usable electricity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 6, 2020

Blocking vibrations that remove heat could boost efficiency of next-gen solar cells

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee discovered a way to slow phonons, waves that transport heat, in photovoltaic materials. This discovery holds promise for improving novel hot-carrier solar cells, which convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently than conventional solar cells by harnessing...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 5, 2020

Highly efficient perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability and minimised lead leakage

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel method to tackle instability and potential environmental impact in perovskite solar cells, achieving high power conversion efficiency while minimizing lead leakage. The team's innovative use of 2D metal-organic frameworks enhances device performance and stability.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 21, 2020

Scientists have discovered an environmentally friendly way to transform silicon into nanoparticles

Researchers at Skoltech have developed a simple and efficient method to convert silicon wafers into nanoparticles in an aqueous solution, providing a new source of sustainable materials. The process enables controlling particle sizes and has implications for optics, photonics, medicine, and other fields.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 8, 2020

New understanding of electrolyte additives will improve dye-sensitised solar cells

Dye-sensitised solar cells can perform more consistently in low-light conditions thanks to improved understanding of electrolyte additives. Researchers have found that certain molecules, such as 4-tert-butylpyridine and 1-methyl-benzimidazole, are crucial to suppressing recombination losses and maximizing efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 3, 2020

CU student helps bridge teams at Clemson

A CU student collaborated with three research teams to study perovskite nanocrystals, which have numerous applications. The team discovered a phase transition that affects the material's optical properties and has relevance to applications already in use.

SourceClemson University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateAug 20, 2020

Semitransparent photovoltaics

Researchers developed a semitransparent photovoltaic cell with high power conversion efficiency and visible transparency, opening possibilities for power-generating windows and solar energy applications. The study showcases the potential of organic photovoltaics in serving as color-neutral, transparent power sources.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

For solar boom, scrap silicon for this promising mineral

Researchers at Cornell University have found that photovoltaic wafers made from all-perovskite structures outperform traditional silicon-based solar panels. This breakthrough could lead to a more sustainable future for solar energy, with perovskite cells offering faster returns on investment and lower environmental impacts.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 3, 2020

The solar cell you can print

The £6 million grant will advance organic and perovskite solar cells into new applications, including 5G, the Internet of Things, and zero-carbon buildings. The project aims to develop low-cost manufacturing methods and prototypes to showcase their potential in these areas.