Solar Energy Materials-Evolution and Niche Applications: A Literature Review

Abstract

The demand for energy has been a global concern over the years due to the ever increasing population which still generate electricity from non-renewable energy sources. Presently, energy produced worldwide is mostly from fossil fuels, which are non-renewable sources and release harmful by-products that are greenhouses gases. The sun is considered a source of clean, renewable energy, and the most abundant. With silicon being the element most used for the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, solar cells are the technology corresponding to the solution of the problem of energy on our planet. Solar cell fabrication has undergone extensive study over the past several decades and improvement from one generation to another. The first solar cells were studied and grown on silicon wafers, in particular single crystals that formed silicon-based solar cells. With the further development in thin films, dye-sensitized solar cells and organic solar cells have significantly enhanced the efficiency of the cell. The manufacturing cost and efficiency hindered further development of the cell, although consumers still have confidence in the crystalline silicon material, which enjoys a fair share in the market for photovoltaics. This present review work provides niche and prominent features including the benefits and prospects of the first (mono-poly-crystalline silicon), second (amorphous silicon and thin films), and third generation (quantum dots, dye synthesized, polymer, and perovskite) of materials evolution in photovoltaics.

Advances in Smart Photovoltaic Textiles

“…After passing through a load, these charges can recombine through electrodes. , Figure a illustrates the general chemical structure of first-generation SC absorbing/active materials. Silicon has been a game-changer in the field of solar energy harvesting and has played a pivotal role in the development of SCs technology. , The journey of silicon SCs has seen steady progress starting with the initial achievement of 1% PCE and currently commanding a 95% market share. , Figure b showcases the chemical structures of the most prevalent photoactive materials used in second-generation SCs, including cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), and amorphous silicon (a-Si). − …”

A review of novel methods to improve the optical and electrical properties of n-type and p-type sulphides and oxides: leading the frontiers of semiconductor technology

“…This review will focus on ways to improve carrier mobility and transparency in these films. Some of these techniques include doping techniques, substrate engineering, and other sophisticated methods [20]. Additionally, the review will cover the practical applications of these materials, including their potential use in various electronic and optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, LEDs, and transistors.…”

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