Articles tagged with Photovoltaics
Researchers have developed an 'ionic analog to the electronic pn-junction solar cell' that harnesses light to generate ionic electricity, with potential applications in desalination and brain-machine interfaces. The technology shows promise for producing electricity to turn brackish water drinkable upon exposure to sunlight.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have successfully transferred the nanostructures from the wings of black butterflies, which can absorb light over a wide spectrum and improve thin-film solar cell efficiency. The optimized nanostructures enhance light absorption by up to 200 percent.
A new technique for synthesizing thiophene derivatives has been developed, offering a convenient and effective two-step procedure. The compounds exhibit promising photophysical properties, including fluorescence, making them suitable for various applications, including OLEDs and potential biomedicine uses.
Researchers have developed a method to produce high-quality perovskite photovoltaics using mechanochemistry, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced structural defects. The production process involves grinding powders to create homogeneous perovskites with fewer defects, which improves the cell's performance.
Inorganic-organic halide perovskites have distinctive advantages for high efficiency solar cells, with recent breakthroughs in developing efficient hole transport material free PSCs. Significant ion transport has been found to redistribute doping and defects, affecting photoelectric behavior and stability.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, has developed solar greenhouses that can generate electricity while promoting plant growth. Eighty percent of plants showed no impact, while 20% grew better under the magenta windows.
Researchers at UNIST have developed highly stable perovskite solar cells using fluorine-functionalized graphene nano-platelets, overcoming the material's notorious instability. This breakthrough could lead to next-generation solar cells with high efficiencies and low costs.
Severe air pollution in northern and eastern China blocks about 20% of sunlight from reaching solar panels, significantly reducing solar energy production. The study found that aerosol pollution reduces the potential for solar electricity generation by as much as one and a half kilowatt-hour per square meter per day.
Researchers at Brown University have improved the resolution of laser terahertz emission microscopy (LTEM) to 20 nanometers, enabling detailed imaging of individual nanostructures. This technique can be used to study a wide variety of materials, including semiconductors and perovskite solar cells.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a micro-scale biological solar cell that generates high power density and long operational capability, making it suitable for lab-on-a-chip applications in remote regions. The device harnesses microbial photosynthetic and respiratory activities to provide a clean and renewable power source.
KAUST researchers have created a new method for producing solar cells using lateral p-n heterojunctions, which achieve greater power conversion efficiency than traditional methods. This breakthrough simplifies the production process and enables cheaper solar tracking systems to become redundant.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing new materials for solar cells and photocatalysts to boost efficiency and reduce costs. They aim to create practical ways to store solar energy, addressing intermittency and waste issues in the current system.
Sandia scientists develop a system to convert surplus solar flux into additional electricity at tower CSP plants, increasing capacity by up to 10 MW and reducing costs. The concept involves cladding the tower with photovoltaic panels, generating over 10% of total capacity.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a photodetector that doubles its efficiency by combining two distinct materials, producing quantum mechanical processes. This breakthrough can revolutionize the way solar energy is collected.
Researchers from University of Groningen have discovered a way to increase charge conductivity in lead-sulphur quantum dots by adding extra sulphur. This breakthrough enables the tuning of electric properties, improving efficiency of quantum dot solar cells above current records.
Researchers at CIC nanoGUNE developed a photovoltaic device using magnetic materials as electrodes, increasing efficiency by 14%. The device produces alternating current directly, eliminating the need for transformers. Further improvements are being pursued to build more efficient solar modules.
Researchers have developed a new method to deposit CuSCN layers on perovskite films, resulting in stabilized power-conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. The introduction of a thin spacer layer of reduced graphene oxide allows the cells to achieve excellent operational stability, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency.
Berkeley Lab is developing algorithms to monitor the grid for irregularities and dispatch safe settings to counter potential cyber attacks. The project aims to enhance grid resilience while maintaining security. It partners with industry leaders and utilities to leverage best practices and standards.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method for fabricating semitransparent and flexible solar cells using transition metal dichalcogenides. The new technology improves power conversion efficiency up to 0.7%, making it the highest value reported with few-layered materials.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a novel approach to prevent ice build-up by cracking it. By adding inner pillars and holes to surfaces, they can create macro-cracks that allow ice to fall off, reducing adhesion strengths by up to 50%. This method has the potential to revolutionize anti-icing technology in various industries.
Perovskite solar cells could generate electricity more efficiently by harnessing the kinetic energy of electrons moving at high speeds. The study found that electrons retain their highest levels of energy for up to 10 quadrillionths of a second, limiting the time frame for extraction.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a method to make stacks of semiconductors just a few atoms thick, offering a simple and cost-effective way to produce thin, uniform layers. This breakthrough could enable the creation of smaller, faster electronics with unique properties.
Glycol ethers added to thin film manufacturing boost perovskite crystal structure and efficiency, increasing solar cell performance.
Researchers from RIKEN and University of Tokyo created ultra-thin photovoltaic devices coated with stretchable and waterproof films. The new device has shown strong energy efficiency, resistance to water, and durability under compression, opening the way for wearable solar cells.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have successfully demonstrated the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels and alcohols using artificial photosynthesis. The system achieved efficiencies rivaling natural counterparts, producing ethanol and ethylene with high energy conversion rates.
Defects in perovskites can be permanently healed with light and humidity, accelerating the development of cheap and high-performance solar cells. The process involves exposure to light, oxygen, and controlled humidity levels, which create a protective shell that locks in improvements.
Stanford University scientists have created a compound solar cell with perovskite microcells encapsulated in hexagonal scaffolds, inspired by the insect compound eye. The design increases fracture resistance without compromising efficiency, and the cells withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.
Researchers at NREL and EPFL achieved record efficiencies of 32.8% and 35.9% for dual-junction and triple-junction solar cells, respectively. The high-efficiency cells could reduce the cost of solar energy by up to 45 cents per watt.
Researchers at Georgia State University discovered that a process called inverted-region electron transfer contributes to the high efficiency of solar energy conversion in photosynthesis. This mechanism can be used to design new and better types of artificial solar cells.
Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a crystalline material that changes shape in response to light, showcasing its potential applications in novel optoelectronic devices
Scientists have created cyborg bacteria that can produce acetic acid from carbon dioxide using sunlight as energy, outperforming natural photosynthesis with an efficiency of over 80%. This technology has the potential to replace traditional petrochemical industries and provide a zero-waste solution.
Researchers at OIST have improved the stability of perovskite solar cells by inserting a thin polymer layer, extending their lifespan four-fold. They have also developed a new method to manufacture perovskite LEDs using chemical vapor deposition, which could lead to lower-cost and more efficient lighting solutions.
Researchers developed a new curing agent made from castor oil components that strengthened a soybean-based epoxy thermoset, increasing its durability and heat resistance. The material also allows light to pass through, potentially ideal for applications like solar cells.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a substrate-specific method to detect electron transfer in photovoltaic devices. The new approach uses deep-ultraviolet continuum pulses to probe the excitonic transitions of transition-metal oxide substrates, providing a route to studying solid-state-sensitized solar cells.
Researchers in the Netherlands have created efficient green solar panels using soft imprint lithography, which scatter green light and maintain a 10% power reduction. The technology has potential to widen solar panel use as an architectural design element.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a probe to detect direct-current (DC) energy, ensuring safe contact with electrical lines. The 'Hot Stick' probe can penetrate cable insulation and indicate whether a cable is fully discharged of energy.
Scientists at KAUST have discovered that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve higher purity levels than their three-dimensional counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method that combines design and nanomanufacturing to create optimal nanostructured surfaces for solar cells. The technique uses mathematical functions and machine learning to fabricate quasi-random structures, resulting in increased light absorption and improved efficiency.
Researchers from KIT have developed sunglasses with colored, semitransparent solar cells that supply a microprocessor and two displays with electric power. The solar cell lenses are thin and lightweight, generating enough power to operate devices like hearing aids or step counters in indoor environments.
A team of researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology is exploring the use of nanowires and new materials to improve solar cell technology. By maximizing the amount of solar spectrum that can be absorbed, they aim to increase the efficiency of solar power conversion and make it more cost-effective for consumer markets.
Researchers at Osaka University develop new method to create submicron structures on silicon surfaces, reducing reflection and increasing infrared light capture. The approach improves power conversion efficiency of solar cells while keeping manufacturing costs low.
Researchers used a powerful electron camera to study the motion of atoms in perovskite materials, discovering that light causes unusual deformations that could enhance their efficiency. These findings provide clues for making better solar cells.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the US has demonstrated a non-toxic alternative to lead for use in next-generation solar cells, using bismuth oxyiodide. The material shows comparable performance to current silicon-based solar cells, with efficiencies up to 22%.
Researchers at FAU have developed a detailed model of the singlet fission process, which could lead to a 50% increase in solar cell performance. By analyzing intermediate phases, they identified key steps in the process and provided new insights into molecule design.
Researchers have created a highly efficient solar cell that captures nearly all the energy in the solar spectrum, converting direct sunlight to electricity with 44.5% efficiency. The new design uses concentrator photovoltaic panels and stacked cells to capture energy from specific wavelengths of light.
Researchers developed a meniscus-assisted solution printing (MASP) technique to fabricate high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with large crystals. The process boosts power conversion efficiencies by controlling crystal size and orientation, resulting in stable and efficient solar cells.
Researchers have developed two types of solar cells with different photosensitizers, achieving higher efficiency and stability. The study used novel instrumentation to investigate environmental effects on photocurrent generated by solar cells.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a self-powered smart window system using transparent solar cells that selectively absorb near-UV light. The system reduces energy costs by up to 40% and can be applied to existing windows via lamination.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have redefined the understanding of van der Waals interactions, discovering they can be repulsive in confined spaces. This new paradigm could have implications for pharmaceutical delivery, water desalination and photovoltaic devices.
The NAWI Graz researchers have developed a method to measure plasmon fields in three dimensions, enabling the focus of light at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in sensor technology, photovoltaics, and computer storage.
A new study estimates that air pollution and dust are cutting global solar energy production by more than 25% in certain parts of the world, with China, India, and the Arabian Peninsula being the hardest hit. The regions experiencing heavy losses are also those investing the most in solar energy installations.
Ames Laboratory scientists are developing low-dimensional nanomaterials to enhance the performance of solar cells, TV displays, and computer technology. The goal is to broaden the science of these materials and explore their properties.
Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.
Researchers have discovered a new chemical method to incorporate graphene into various applications, maintaining its unique properties. The method allows for the attachment of nanomaterials without distorting graphene's arrangement, enabling integration with other systems.
A new technology developed by Dr. Mahmoud Dhimish could enable clusters of houses to share their solar energy, reducing the need to export surplus electricity to the grid. The system uses 'demand diversity' among adjacent dwellings and energy storage to optimize energy usage.
Scientists used computational models to investigate heterostructured nanoparticles and found that atomistic defects can jeopardize solar cell performance. They predicted a new material with improved optical properties, opening doors for more efficient energy conversion.
Andreas Hirsch aims to develop new areas of application for black phosphorus, which could make batteries last longer or enable solar cells to produce more electrical energy. His research may lead to the generation of new fields of application for the substance, including the development of more powerful and efficient batteries.
Researchers developed a new perovskite material that overcomes water sensitivity, creating stable and efficient solar cells with a ten percent efficiency rate. The material's ability to self-organize in an edge-standing structure increases electron circulation, improving energy conversion.
Researchers have found a new compound that can be used to create highly efficient perovskite solar cells, with efficiency rates of over 22% compared to traditional silicon-based cells. The discovery was made using a spin coating technique and has the potential to revolutionize the field of photovoltaics.
A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University used data science to predict the deterioration of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films in solar panels. The study, published in PLOS ONE, combines engineering epidemiology and statistical-data analytics to develop predictive models for environmentally exposed applications.