New Material Developed to Enhance Solar Cell Efficiency
Researchers at the FTMC have collaborated on the development of a new material aimed at increasing the efficiency of silicon solar cells.
Jordan Taylor
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 09:15 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - As global electricity prices soar, the renewable energy sector is rapidly expanding with a focus on optimizing solar energy technologies. Silicon solar panels, a conventional choice for rooftop installation, are able to convert about 25% of incident solar light into electricity. To push efficiency further, scientists have been experimenting with multijunction solar cells that promise to utilize close to 50% of solar energy.
Pioneering a New Semiconductor
Teams of Lithuanian and Estonian scientists have been investigating semiconductors with a perovskite-type crystal structure, using safer and more abundant elements like sulfur or selenium in place of oxygen or halogens. Their research led to the synthesis of a novel material called tin zirconium titanium selenide (Sn(Zr1−xTix)Se3), which stands out among similar compositions for its potential in enhancing solar energy devices. The effort to discover new materials also places emphasis on cost-effectiveness and sustainability considerations.
Enhancing Solar Absorption and Efficiency
One of the groundbreaking aspects of Sn(Zr1−xTix)Se3 is that it maintains its crystalline structure even when titanium is added in concentrations up to 44%, altering the material's optical and electrical characteristics. With increased titanium concentration, the absorption edge extends towards the infrared spectrum, allowing for the harnessing of infrared radiation, which current solar cells are unable to exploit. This trait could substantially improve the overall performance of multijunction solar cells. Additionally, the inclusion of titanium was found to greatly increase the absorption coefficient, indicating that just a thin layer of the material is needed to fully absorb solar light.
Looking Toward the Future
The innovation represents a significant step toward creating sustainable materials for multijunction solar cells that operate in the infrared spectrum. The research team is now aiming to produce thin films of Sn(Zr1−xTix)Se3, setting the stage for the creation of advanced solar cell prototypes. Lead researcher Dr. Rokas Kondrotas emphasizes the importance of harnessing abundant, non-toxic elements in renewable energy technologies, which not only promotes efficiency but also environmental and public health safety.
