Articles tagged with Photovoltaics
Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar cell that combines two layers to harvest more of the sun's energy, reaching theoretical efficiencies above 40 percent. The device can be manufactured at a fraction of the cost due to a novel low-cost manufacturing process, making it ready for commercialization within the next year or two.
Researchers at MIT and SUTD used light to print 3D structures that can remember their original shapes after being stretched, twisted, and bent. The structures can be printed with micron-scale features and have potential applications in biomedical devices, soft robotics, and solar panel tracking.
Researchers from NIST discovered a 'sweet spot' for mass-producing polymer solar cells, exceeding 9.5% power conversion efficiency, without sacrificing performance. The findings suggest that high-volume production methods can yield efficient photovoltaic devices with greater structural variability.
Karlsruhe researchers created a new piggyback structure for metal-organic frameworks that enables photon upconversion, transforming low-energy photons into high-energy photons. This process has potential applications in solar cells and LEDs, increasing efficiency and reducing limitations.
A team of scientists has discovered a class of materials that can surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit, allowing for more efficient solar cell conversion. By using a barium titanate crystal, they were able to extract power from a small portion of the sunlight spectrum with higher efficiency than previously thought possible.
Scientists at ORNL discover the optimal ratio of selenium in cadmium-tellurium solar cells, increasing efficiency from 22% to near-theoretical levels. The alloy composition of 50% cadmium, 25% tellurium and 25% selenium performed best.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have created high-performance, micro-scale solar cells that outshine comparable devices in key performance measures. The new, small cells capture current from charges moving side-to-side and generate significantly more energy than other sideways solar systems.
Researchers from Aalborg University have developed a heat-resistant device made of tungsten and alumina layers that can absorb sunlight across a broad spectrum, enabling more efficient energy conversion. The device can operate at high temperatures and absorb light from UV to near-infrared wavelengths.
Researchers at OU are developing novel technologies for next-generation solar cells with potential to increase global energy capacity and reduce fossil fuel dependence. They aim to control thermal losses and harness more of the sun's energy using 'hot' carrier solar cells.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a solar cell that captures CO2 and sunlight to produce hydrocarbon fuel. The 'artificial leaf' technology solves two crucial problems simultaneously by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into fuel, making it a game-changer for energy production.
Researchers found that moisture in the air enhances perovskite solar cells' performance by redistributing a dopant, increasing electric properties. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can be detrimental.
The researchers successfully created dye-sensitized solar cells with inkjet-printed photovoltaic dyes, achieving efficiency and durability comparable to traditional methods. The printed solar cells endured over 1,000 hours of continuous light and heat stress without degradation.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in perovskite solar cells by developing a hydrophobic conducting polymer that improves efficiency and stability without additives. The new cells retain high performance over two months in humid conditions, paving the way for commercialization.
Researchers at Lund University have measured the flow of solar energy within and between different parts of a photosynthetic organism, revealing more efficient routes for transporting energy. This basic research could lead to the development of more efficient solar cell technologies.
Researchers have identified a new organic molecule that converts a large amount of sunlight, enabling the development of stable solar cells with high efficiency. The new technology offers several benefits, including lower production costs and increased flexibility.
Researchers have developed a new type of two-dimensional layered perovskite with outstanding stability and more than triple the material's previous power conversion efficiency. The breakthrough involves flipping crystals during casting, eliminating a gap in electron flow that previously reduced efficiency.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a possible secret to dramatically boosting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, potentially increasing conversion rates up to 31 percent. The discovery involves exploiting the unique properties of facets on individual grains in the crystalline material.
Scientists have created a tiny, soft, and wirelessly functional biomaterial that can be injected into the body to stimulate nerve cells and manipulate muscle behavior. The material degrades naturally after a few months, eliminating the need for surgery.
Researchers at KIT replicated the structure of rose petal epidermal cells to improve light-harvesting and generate more power. The transparent replica integrated into an organic solar cell resulted in a 12% efficiency gain, making it a promising approach for future solar cells.
Researchers at ICFO have developed a solution-processed, semi-transparent solar cell based on AgBiS2 nanocrystals, which are non-toxic and abundant. The cells achieved power conversion efficiencies of 6.3%, competing with current thin film technologies, and offer potential as a low-cost alternative to traditional solar cells.
Researchers in South Korea have developed ultra-thin photovoltaics with a record-breaking flexibility, allowing them to wrap around small objects. The new method uses transfer printing instead of etching and produces flexible solar cells with a smaller amount of materials.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new generation of high-efficiency solar thermal absorbers using a tri-layer metasurface absorber. The system uses amorphous carbon as an interlayer between thin gold films, strongly absorbing light across the solar spectrum while minimizing emission of thermal radiation.
A new nanomaterial has been developed that is both transparent and highly conductive to electric current. The material, created through a cheap and simple method, has potential applications in roll-up touchscreen displays, wearable electronics, flexible solar cells, and electronic skin.
EPFL researchers have achieved the highest performance ever measured for larger-size perovskite solar cells, reaching over 20% efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to increased efficiency in hybrid solar panels that combine perovskites with silicon, potentially exceeding 30% efficiency.
Researchers at UC San Diego, MIT, and Harvard have engineered 'topological plexcitons,' energy-carrying particles that enhance exciton energy transfer, leading to improved solar cells and miniaturized optical circuits. The discovery provides a directionality feature for efficient energy distribution in nanoscale materials.
Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells with an average efficiency of 19.6% and a record-breaking aperture area of 1 cm2, overcoming scalability limitations. The new technique eliminates impurities and grain boundaries, resulting in highly oriented crystalline films.
University of Oregon scientists have synthesized a stable biradical compound with two free-flowing, non-bonding electrons. The molecule can change its bonding patterns to a magnetic state when heated, but returns to a fully bonded non-magnetic closed state at room temperature.
Researchers at Hokkaido University created all-solid-state solar cells that are highly durable and can efficiently convert sunlight into energy. The devices were made using atomic layer deposition and featured a gold nanoparticle antenna.
Researchers at ORNL have demonstrated a scalable method to produce semiconducting nanoparticles using bacteria-fed sugar at temperatures below 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This approach reduces production costs by approximately 90 percent compared to conventional methods, making it attractive for applications in electronics, displays, solar...
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory found that perovskite solar cells degrade due to accumulated charge carriers and self-heal when exposed to darkness. Temperature control can stabilize device performance by reducing degradation mechanisms.
Researchers at UNSW have developed a new solar cell configuration that delivers a world-record 34.5% efficiency in sunlight-to-electricity conversion, nudging closer to the theoretical limits of such devices. The device uses a four-junction mini-module with a hybrid receiver to extract maximum energy from unfocussed sunlight.
Scientists at Penn State University have developed a new high-pressure technique to create large-area thin-film silicon semiconductors at low temperatures in simple reactors. This approach could make large, flexible semiconductors more feasible for applications like flat-panel monitors and solar cells.
Researchers recommend increased subsidies and public funding to help Taiwanese solar producers develop advanced technology and compete globally. The study highlights the need for policymakers to encourage collaboration between academics and industry experts to drive innovation.
A team at the University of New South Wales has achieved the world's highest efficiency rating for a full-sized thin-film solar cell using CZTS technology. The innovation uses abundant materials and is non-toxic, making it suitable for widespread use in buildings.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method to convert one type of perovskite into another, improving thermal stability and light absorption. The technique uses gas-based methods to flip the chemical switch, preserving the microstructure and morphology of the material.
Researchers observed defects forming during CIGSe solar cell fabrication and found that excess copper helps reduce defects. The study suggests that the copper-rich phase plays a crucial role in eliminating defects, regardless of temperature.
A team of chemists has developed a unique combination of PBDB-T and ITIC that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 11%, surpassing most solar cells with fullerenes. The discovery paves the way for low-cost and reliable solar energy, with good thermal stability and potential for commercialization.
Researchers have discovered a new metamaterial that radiates heat in specific directions, making it ideal for use with thermophotovoltaic cells. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient cells that harvest heat from surroundings and convert it into electricity.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory synthesized a stack of monolayers of two lattice-mismatched semiconductors, gallium selenide and molybdenum diselenide. The achievement demonstrates the promise of synthesizing mismatched layers to enable new families of functional two-dimensional materials.
A team has directly observed the cause for the missing efficiency in zinc oxide-based dye-sensitised solar cells. Interface states trap charge carriers, reducing efficiency levels.
Researchers at Stanford University found that applying pressure can increase the voltages of perovskite solar cells and enhance their electronic conductivity. This discovery holds promise for advancing low-cost tandem solar cells.
ORNL researchers have found a potential path to improve solar cell efficiency by understanding the competition among halogen atoms during perovskite synthesis. The study reveals that bromine, chlorine, and iodine ions facilitate growth but only iodine gets into the final crystal structure.
Researchers at NREL and SLAC pinpoint the chemical and physical changes that occur during the firing step in silicon solar cell manufacturing. They found that between 500-650 degrees Celsius, lead oxide etches the antireflective coating on the solar cell, while above 650 degrees, silver dissolves into the molten glass frit.
Researchers used X-rays to observe exactly how silver electrical contacts form during manufacturing, shedding light on the complex process. The results show that lead oxide plays a key role in forming the contact, etching away the solar cell's antireflective coating and allowing silver to move through and harden.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated a strong non-contact heat transfer channel using light, achieving near-field radiative heat transfer between parallel objects at nanoscale distances. The team's approach has the potential to revolutionize energy conversion applications by converting wasted heat from combustion engines back to ...
Renowned researcher D. Yogi Goswami has been awarded the 2016 Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit for his significant pioneering contributions to solar energy. His work focuses on reducing costs and developing efficient, effective storage methods for solar energy.
Scientists have developed transparent wood that can be used in building materials, potentially saving homeowners money on artificial lighting costs. The material, which is stronger than Plexiglass, still traps some light and may boost the efficiency of solar cells.
Researchers have developed a stable and conductive protective layer for the 'artificial leaf' that enhances water oxidation efficiency. The innovative layer, made from ruthenium dioxide nanoparticles and an organic polymer, improves current densities and stability.
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin developed a protective layer for the 'artificial leaf' that converts 12% of incident solar energy into hydrogen. The new layer, made from graphene, enables stable and efficient water splitting.
Scientists discovered that surface vibrations in nanomaterials significantly affect their behavior, impacting applications such as solar cells. The researchers found that suppressing these vibrations can lead to higher photocurrent and efficiency in solar cells.
The Office of Naval Research awarded $25 million to 47 young investigators for their promising basic research in various naval-relevant fields. The awardees will receive funding for laboratory equipment, graduate student stipends and scholarships.
Researchers used low-frequency Raman spectroscopy to decipher stacking patterns in 2D materials, revealing unique effects of vibrations between layers. The study provides a platform for engineering materials with optical and electronic properties strongly dependent on stacking configurations.
Scientists at TUM have engineered ordered monolayers of molecular networks with photovoltaic responses, utilizing self-assembly on atomically flat, transparent substrates. The findings open up possibilities for the bottom-up fabrication of optoelectronic devices with molecular precision.
Seven McMaster researchers received funding from NSERC to develop innovative technologies, including more efficient solar cells and infrared photodetection. The projects aim to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Researchers at NREL have improved the maximum voltage available from CdTe solar cells, breaking the 1V barrier and enabling more efficient electricity generation. The innovation could significantly reduce manufacturing costs and make solar energy more cost-competitive with traditional energy sources.
The research team improved cell voltage by shifting away from a standard processing step using cadmium chloride. This approach enabled the fabrication of CdTe solar cells with an open-circuit voltage breaking the 1-volt barrier for the first time.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to making solar cells, resulting in the thinnest and lightest complete solar cells ever made. The new process enables the creation of ultra-thin, flexible solar cells that can be integrated into various materials or surfaces, opening up new possibilities for portable electronic devices.
Researchers at TU Wien create a photo-electrochemical cell that can store the energy of ultraviolet light even at high temperatures. The new material combines photovoltaics with electrochemistry, paving the way for large-scale industrial storage.
Scientists use soda-lime glass to create resilient and high-performing graphene, improving technologies from solar cells to touch screens. The sodium in the glass enhances electron density in the graphene, overcoming challenges in achieving this balance.
Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a new technique to fabricate microlens arrays with highly regular structures, reducing costs and time. The method uses cellular convection in a thick liquid layer to pattern a thin polymer film, ideal for photovoltaic systems.