Quantum Dot Solar Cells Break Efficiency Record Target Silicon Technology Surpass

Engineers at UNIST in South Korea have significantly enhanced the efficiency of one of the most promising and emerging solar cell technologies, achieving a world record efficiency of 18.1% in quantum dot solar cells.

Quantum dots are miniature semiconductor crystals shaped like circles, known for their exceptional efficiency in absorbing and emitting light. Their size can be adjusted to determine the color of the light they engage with, rendering them valuable in display technologies or sensor applications.

Quantum Dots’ Unique Advantages in Efficiency, Affordability, and Sprayable Solutions

However, their most promising application could be in solar cells. Unlike most commercial solar cells that use bulk materials for the light-collecting layer, where the entire surface absorbs the same wavelengths, quantum dots offer the advantage of utilizing multiple sizes that target different parts of the spectrum, thereby enhancing potential efficiency. Additionally, they are cost-effective, easy to manufacture, and can be transformed into a sprayable solution.

In the recent study, UNIST researchers made adjustments to refine the technology. While quantum dot solar cells with organic materials boast the highest theoretical efficiency, they tend to be less stable in sunlight and adverse weather conditions due to defects, making them less suitable for prolonged exposure to sunlight. To address this issue, such solar cells are typically crafted with inorganic materials; however, this compromises their efficiency, as noted by the research team.

The UNIST team utilized organic perovskite for their quantum dots and introduced a novel method to anchor them to a substrate, allowing for a closer arrangement of the dots. This enhancement resulted in a record-breaking efficiency of 18.1%, surpassing the 2020 figure of 16.6%. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) independently verified and acknowledged this achievement in its ongoing efficiency comparison chart for various technologies.

Quantum Dot Solar Cells Maintain Efficiency Over Extended Periods and Harsh Conditions

Furthermore, the stability of the new solar cells significantly improved. They maintained their efficiency for 1,200 hours under standard conditions and 300 hours at an elevated temperature of 80 °C (176 °F). Even after two years in storage, their performance remained consistent.

Although quantum dot solar cells still have a considerable distance to cover to match the widespread use of silicon solar cells, which have been in use for over half a century and are nearing their theoretical maximum efficiency, the rapid progress of quantum dots since their introduction in the lab around 2010—from under 4% efficiency to the current levels—combined with cost-effective and straightforward manufacturing processes, holds promise for scaling up the technology and extending its application to a broader range of surfaces.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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