A solution is needed for the inexpensive generation of electricity from solar irradiation, which will be cost competitive with fossil fuel technologies without the need for government subsidies. This project will fabricate and characterize inorganic nanoparticle-based solar cells that: (1) can be manufactured with low cost processing techniques; and (2) will offer greater absorption across the solar spectrum, improved photostability, and higher mobilities compared to organic-based photovoltaics. The greater power efficiency and stability of all-inorganic photovoltaics will be achieved through the use of semiconducting II-VI and III-V nanoparticles that absorb in the near-IR spectrum, novel graded structures to improve charge transport and extraction, and optimized cell processing conditions. By the end of Phase II, the goal is to achieve a solar module that has a power efficiency exceeding 15%, a cost of less than $0.50/Watt, and relative stability over 10 years under a standard solar irradiance of AM1.5.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: High efficiency, low-cost, nanoparticle-based solar cells should enable the use of solar panels for rooftop applications, as well as utility-size solar arrays to provide solar power to grid connected communities, while significantly reducing carbon-based emissions.
