Boffins boost solar cells with nanowires

US researchers have used nanowires to boost the efficiency of next-generation thin-film solar cells.

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego found that indium phosphide nanowires can serve as "electron superhighways" that carry electrons kicked loose by photons of light directly to an electron-attracting electrode.

The new design greatly increases the number of electrons that make it from the light-absorbing polymer to the electrode.

By reducing electron-hole recombination, the engineers demonstrated a way to increase the efficiency with which sunlight can be converted to electricity in thin-film photovoltaics.

Including nanowires in the experimental solar cell increased the "forward bias current" by six to seven orders of magnitude as compared to a polymer-only control device, the engineers found.

"If you provide electrons with a defined pathway to the electrode you can reduce some of the inefficiencies that currently plague thin-film solar cells made from polymer mixtures," said Clint Novotny, author of a paper published in NanoLetters.

"More efficient transport of electrons and holes, collectively known as carriers, is critical for creating more efficient solar cells."

See also:

Clarke inspires science from beyond the grave

Two new projects stem from science fiction writer's work  24 Apr 2008

MIT and Fraunhofer team up on solar research

Organisations to build centre for sustainable energy systems  15 Apr 2008

Boffins build flexible chips

Stretchy silicon on the way  28 Mar 2008

'Lego' design promises cheap solar cells

Dutch researcher takes inspiration from nature  20 Mar 2008

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!