Articles tagged with Photovoltaics
A team of scientists at NIST discovered that temperature can influence the competing processes of crystallization and dewetting in polymer films. This understanding could lead to better control of these processes, resulting in more stable and uniform films for applications like organic solar cells. The research also has implications fo...
Researchers have developed a new method to boost the efficiency of solar cells by using nanoparticles. By scattering light and improving color-specific capture, this approach could significantly improve sunlight conversion rates.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to produce and sort out double-walled carbon nanotubes, overcoming the challenge of sorting valuable tubes from other types. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for advanced solar panels, sensors, and other renewable energy technologies.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for boosting the efficiency of solar photovoltaic cells by up to 50%. By applying antireflection coatings and complex reflective layer designs, they were able to increase the energy conversion rate. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of renewable energy and could...
Scientists have made precise measurements of a key phenomenon in solar cells, shedding light on fundamental processes and paving the way for more efficient designs. The findings provide a crucial understanding of charge separation in chain-like structures.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have successfully induced slower cooling of electrons in nanocrystals, a breakthrough that could improve laser devices and photovoltaic technology. This effect is expected to increase bandwidth for communication satellites and lead to more efficient solar power generation.
A new technology has successfully tested tiny solar cells that can power microscopic machines, detecting chemical leaks and toxins. The organic polymer-based solar cells provide a promising renewable energy source for various applications.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a measurement technique to map nanomaterials as they grow, enhancing material efficiency. The new method allows for faster discovery of optimal nanomaterial structures, leading to potential breakthroughs in solar panels and magnetic data storage.
A new method for overcoming two major hurdles facing solar energy has been discovered and demonstrated by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The antireflective coating boosts the amount of sunlight captured by solar panels, allowing them to absorb the entire solar spectrum from nearly any angle.
Researchers are exploring alternative energy solutions and innovative approaches to medicine. Virtual reality technology is being used to create realistic 3D presentations on mobile devices, while a new method for measuring brain function during surgery could improve outcomes.
The new center will study active matter, which can move on its own, exhibiting properties previously observed in living materials like muscle and cells. Researchers will explore constraints on materials using DNA confinement and functioning cellular components like cilia.
University of Utah engineers have developed a new way to slice thin wafers of germanium for use in high-efficiency solar cells. The new method, wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), reduces waste and breakage of the brittle semiconductor, making it more economical to produce such cells.
Researchers created a sophisticated method to turn ordinary glass into a solar concentrator, boosting solar panel efficiency. The technology uses dye-coated glass to collect and channel photons, reducing the need for semiconductor material and increasing energy output.
A new solar concentrator design developed by MIT engineers could significantly increase the efficiency of solar panels and reduce their costs. By using a mixture of dyes to concentrate sunlight, the system can boost electrical power obtained from each solar cell by a factor of over 40.
Lubchenko aims to crack the mystery of electrical phenomena in amorphous materials using 'old-fashioned' math, as direct computer modeling and existing theoretical approaches have been unsuccessful. His research could lead to affordable solar batteries and expand the speed and capacity of computer memory.
Researchers have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2% in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells, paving the way for large-scale outdoor applications. The development of an electrolyte mixture made from three solid salts replaces volatile organic solvents, making it possible to produce lightweight and inexpensive flexi...
Carbon nanotubes have been engineered to improve the properties of solar cells by introducing defects, resulting in increased catalytic activity and reduced costs. The new material has the potential to replace traditional layers used in solar cells, leading to improved performance and more affordable energy technologies.
New research from ACS Nano explores innovative applications of nanotechnology, such as increasing power conversion efficiencies in solar cells and targeting nanoparticles for gene delivery. The journal also discusses rapid toxicity evaluation methods and the use of nanotubes with nanomotors to enhance speed.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have demonstrated the avalanche effect in semiconducting nanocrystals, which could lead to higher output and lower manufacturing costs for solar cells. The findings show that specific crystals can release two or three electrons per photon, potentially increasing output to 44%.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology and Fraunhofer Institute achieved an unprecedented 6% improvement in solar cell efficiency by depositing a thin layer of aluminum oxide on the front of a silicon solar cell. This breakthrough brings the industrial application of high-efficiency solar cells closer, with costs expected to...
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a dramatic improvement in dye-sensitized solar cells by using a popcorn-ball design, which manipulates light to convert solar energy into electricity more efficiently. The new approach doubles the efficiency of converting solar energy to electricity, outperforming previous records.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created semitransparent, highly conductive films from carbon nanotubes with improved conductivity and mechanical flexibility. These films mimic stained glass appearance and could lead to advancements in flat-panel displays, solar cells, and other energy-efficient technologies.
The Gamma-ray Large Area Telescope (GLAST) satellite is nearing its May 16th launch date as it prepares to provide electrical power with its newly attached solar panels. GLAST's twin solar panels will ensure continuous operation and enable the telescope to explore extreme environments in the universe.
A Penn State researcher is developing solar cells with titanium dioxide nanotubes and organic semiconductors for efficient and low-cost large-scale solar energy conversion. The goal is to achieve photconversion efficiencies of 6-8% and commercialize the technology.
PTL will test concentrator PV systems and work with manufacturers to certify products, develop warranty information, and measure up against industry standards. The goal is to fill a need for reliability tests, subjecting modules to extreme conditions to simulate operational lifetimes.
The University of Delaware's Institute of Energy Conversion will receive $3.75 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Initiative to continue researching photovoltaic-based solar cells, aiming to produce high-efficiency solar cells and expand its expertise in new areas.
Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses indoline dye and ionic liquid to improve efficiency. The cells achieve an energy conversion yield of 7.2%, a record for this type of cell, and could potentially lead to more affordable renewable energy.
Arizona State University has received two grants from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Initiative to develop new materials for solar cells, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The grants will focus on exploring photovoltaic potential of new materials that were originally developed for laser applications.
The MIT Energy Initiative has partnered with Eni to develop novel photovoltaic materials and design solar power plants. The five-year collaboration will focus on six areas of research, including nano-structured thin film photovoltaics and water splitting.
The four-year project aims to make thin-film light absorbing cells for solar panels from sustainable and affordable materials, reducing costs by one millionth of a metre. Researchers will experiment with low-cost materials and nanotechnology to capture increased amounts of energy from the sun's rays.
Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses a binary ionic liquid electrolyte, achieving a record 7.6% light-conversion efficiency and stability in warm climates. The solvent-free design also enables the construction of flexible and lightweight devices.
Researchers have developed a new nanocomposite material that outperforms individual components, offering enhanced solar cell efficiency and potential applications in energy technologies.
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a grant to Adam Moule, assistant professor at UC Davis, to study ways to assemble thin layers of organic polymers into flexible panels for more efficient solar cells. The goal is to reduce costs and increase power output, with potential prototype development by 2015.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen have discovered a new material that can convert up to 30% of solar energy into electricity, twice the current conversion rate. The use of nanotechnology reduces production costs and minimizes energy loss in solar cell transportation.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Clemson University researchers nearly $1 million to develop polymer dot nanoparticles for tracking single molecules in live cells. This technology could help determine the body's defenses against viruses and bacteria, as well as pinpoint cancer cells for more effective treatment.
Leading experts in organic solar cells have expressed concern over the field's reputation being damaged by reports of unrealistic results. The experts call for independent verification and accurate reporting to ensure the success of OSCs.
Researchers at Durham University are developing light-absorbing materials for thin-layer solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert light energy into electricity. The goal is to make solar panels more affordable and increase the use of solar power.
Silicon nanoparticles can significantly enhance the performance of solar cells by improving power output and reducing heat. By integrating a high-quality film of silicon nanoparticles onto silicon solar cells, researchers achieved a 60% improvement in power performance in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed new pink dye-sensitized solar cells with half the efficiency of commercially available silicon-based solar cells, but at one quarter of the cost. The new materials use complex metals and novel particle shapes to boost electricity production.
A University of Delaware-led team achieved a record-breaking combined solar cell efficiency of 42.8 percent from sunlight, surpassing the current record of 40.7 percent. The innovative technology incorporates spectral splitting optics with high-performance crystalline silicon solar cells.
A new tandem organic solar cell has been developed with increased efficiency of six and a half percent, marking the highest level achieved for solar cells made from organic materials. The discovery utilizes semiconducting polymers recognized by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which promises to be less expensive to produce.
A recent breakthrough in solar cell technology has shown a 16-fold enhancement in light absorption, boosting efficiency from 8-10% to 13-15%. This improvement could make solar energy more affordable for homeowners, with the price of an installed system potentially falling by up to AUD$5,000.
Rice University scientists have developed a breakthrough method for producing molecular specks of semiconductors called quantum dots, which could lead to better and cheaper solar energy panels. The new chemical method produces four-legged cadmium selenide quantum dots with over 90% tetrapod structure.
Researchers have developed unique three-dimensional solar cells that capture nearly all of the light that strikes them, increasing efficiency and reducing size, weight and mechanical complexity. The new cells could also enable improvements in photovoltaic coating materials and change the way solar cells are designed.
Scientists at UTMB and University of Michigan develop direct electrical link between nerve cells and photovoltaic nanoparticle films, enabling light-stimulated nerve-signaling devices. This breakthrough could lead to creation of a nanoparticle-based artificial retina with unprecedented flexibility, compactness, and reliability.
New columnar discotic liquid crystals stabilized by hydrogen bonds exhibit highly stable mesophases and ease of processing, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells. The research demonstrates a synergy between bonding interactions to achieve well-ordered aggregates.
Arizona State University has received a $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop innovative nanotechnology solutions for solar energy. The team aims to create tiny devices that can harness light energy more efficiently and convert it into electricity.
Georgia Tech researchers have developed a self-cleaning surface inspired by the lotus plant to improve photovoltaic arrays and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The unique surface combines nano- and micron-scale structures with a waxy coating, allowing water and dirt to bead up and roll off instantly.
The Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has won four prestigious R&D 100 Awards for its innovative technology advances, including a carbon-measuring instrument, high-efficiency solar cells, and neutron generators. These awards recognize the lab's efforts to enhance energy, economic, and national security.
Rutgers-Newark Chemistry Professor Elena Galoppini and her team have received a $1.3 million NSF grant to develop new solar cells that harness organic materials and nanoparticles. The research aims to create more efficient methods of converting sunlight into electricity.
Researchers create atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe to actively initiate chemical reactions on surfaces, increasing spatial resolution to one nanometer scale. This technique has potential applications in designing more efficient catalysts and solar cells, as well as refining chemical sensor technology.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered a way to create polymers that can conduct electricity by growing very pure, single RRP chains. The study shows that the nanostructure of these plastics enhances their ability to conduct electricity, and that increasing the width of RRP nanofibrils exponentially increases charge carri...
RIT scientist Ryne Raffaelle's $847,109 grant will develop nanostructured materials to enhance solar cell absorption and conversion rates. The project aims to improve current technology and lay the foundation for long-term improvement in solar energy use.
Researchers at Imperial College London suggest that photovoltaics could match and exceed current nuclear output by 2023, with potential to produce 12 gigawatts of electricity. The UK's decision to halt solar panel installations is attributed to a pro-nuclear bias in scientific and government establishments.
Researchers at Penn State have developed titania nanotube dye sensitive solar cells with a 3% initial conversion rate, which they aim to increase to 15% through optimization. The cells use an easier fabrication system than conventional silicon solar cells and have shown promise in producing more electrons that do not recombine.
Scientists discover carrier multiplication occurs in nanocrystals of various compositions, including cadmium selenide, boosting photovoltaic technologies. The effect relies on strong electron-electron interactions and can enhance the production of hydrogen through photo-catalytic water splitting.
Researchers have developed a novel solar antenna that combines antenna functions and solar cells on a single surface, reducing weight and increasing efficiency. The technology has the potential to power homes and send/receive signals, improving data gathering capabilities in remote regions.
The researchers have developed two rapid-solution synthesis methods that can produce robust, water-dispersible quantum dots for bioimaging and organically soluble quantum dots ready for sequestration into a polymer host. The new synthesis methods are scalable and can be used to produce large quantities of quantum dots.
The Global Climate and Energy Project has awarded over $11 million in research grants to five institutions, including Stanford University. The grants will support studies on solar cells, fuel formulations, and carbon capture technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Engineers develop optoelectronic tweezers that can manipulate large numbers of single cells and particles, offering a practical advantage over existing methods. The device uses a photoconductive surface and light-emitting diode to create an electric field for particle manipulation.