Improving Solar Cell Efficiency — New Method Developed
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A new method of improving solar cell efficiency, one that builds upon earlier research into the class of materials known as quasi-crystals, has been developed by researchers at the University of York and the University of St Andrews.
The new method allows for highly efficient broad-band light trapping in thin films — more light is captured within the film than with other methods, maximizing absorption and electricity generation.
Image Credit: Dr Li Juntao
The University of York provides the details:
The new method builds on research into a class of materials known as quasi-crystals, which offer advantages in terms of the spectrum of light they are able to capture. However, the problem with these structures is that their properties are difficult to tailor towards specific applications as they lack the design tools available with periodic structures such as regular gratings.
To solve this problem, the researchers created a new structure called a quasi-random structure, which combines the rich spatial frequencies associated with quasi-crystals with the high level of control afforded by periodic structures.
Emiliano Martins, from the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, explained: “The control of propagating light is a crucial aspect in photonics. Here, we demonstrate that by a careful design of their Fourier spectra, quasi-random nanostructures can achieve such control very efficiently. ”
Martins developed the idea of the quasi-random structure in cooperation with Dr Thomas F Krauss, an Anniversary Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of York. Dr Krauss stated: “Applying our nanophotonics design ideas to such an important area as solar cells is essential for improving the competitiveness of renewable energy generation. ”
Collaborating author Dr Juntao Li, from the State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, China, noted: “Other than solar cells, our design can also be used in many light trapping areas, like LED and DFB lasers. ”
The new research was just published in the journal Nature Communications.
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