Quantum Dots Promise to Significantly Boost Solar Cell Efficiencies (Fact Sheet)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)

关键词: Multiple Exciton Generation;    14 Solar Energy;    Meg;    Lead Sulfide;    Nanowires;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1090155
RP-ID  :  NREL/FS-6A42-59015
RP-ID  :  AC36-08GO28308
RP-ID  :  1090155

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

In the search for a third generation of solar-cell technologies, a leading candidate is the use of 'quantum dots' -- tiny spheres of semiconductor material measuring only about 2-10 billionths of a meter in diameter. Quantum dots have the potential to dramatically increase the efficiency of converting sunlight into energy -- perhaps even doubling it in some devices -- because of their ability to generate more than one bound electron-hole pair, or exciton, per incoming photon. NREL has produced quantum dots using colloidal suspensions; then, using molecular self-assembly, they have been fabricated into the first-ever quantum-dot solar cells. While these devices operate with only 4.4% efficiency, they demonstrate the capability for low-cost manufacturing.