Using Nanoparticles as a Bottom-up Approach to Increase Solar Cell Efficiency

Abstract

Nanostructures in solar cells are used both for the active layers and for light management techniques. Particularly thin-film solar cells will benefit strongly from such nanoscale approaches as the light absorption needs to be improved. Nanoparticles produced by wet chemical techniques, sometimes in the form of quantum dots, are currently used to fabricate thin-film solar cells for research purposes. Light management studies use nanostructures that are often created by lithographic methods but which are too expensive for an industrial realisation. In this review paper, the opportunities for using nanoparticles as a bottom-up approach for both the active layer and light management nanostructures is discussed. Since both the wet chemical method and lithographic techniques have considerable limitations, the use of gas aggregation cluster sources is proposed as a promising method to advance the use of bottom-up nanoparticles for solar cells. Plasmonics, Mie scattering, quantum dots and new materials are reviewed with respect to the nanoparticle potential. The increase of solar cell efficiency by using ultra-clean and crystalline nanoparticles which are produced with a vacuum-compatible technique at low temperatures should be very interesting for science and technology, ultimately leading to industrial products.

Germanium Quantum Dot Grätzel‐Type Solar Cell

“…The fabrication of mono disperse quantum dots with controllable separation distance is a prerequisite for successful application in a solar cell. In a recent publication by Di Vece, the gas aggregation nanoparticle source has been proposed as a promising device to produce semiconductor quantum dots. In a recent work by Tang et al, silicon nanoparticles were fabricated with such a gas aggregation nanoparticle source.…”

Particle Preparation and Morphology Control with Mutual Diffusion Across Liquid-Liquid Interfaces

“…Another example of functionalization by charging vitamins into the hollow particles was profiled (Tominaga et al, 2018;2019).…”

“…The bottom-up approach is commonly used to control the particle properties during fabrication processes. In particular, the bottom-up approach has recently gained attention due to its several advantages such as lower energy processes, lower cost, and simpler instrumentation (Sinha et al, 2013;Vece, 2019). Previously, numerous bottom-up approaches such as crystallization have been successful in controlling particle properties for the purpose of obtaining powder products with different features (Fuchs et al, 2008;Horn and Rieger, 2001;Kadota et al, 2006;Worlitschek and Mazzotti, 2004).…”

Virtual Designer Metals for Enhancement of Plasmonic Nanoparticles Which Improve the Light Absorption in Silicon

“…[ 6–11 ] However, to be industrially compatible, a bottom up approach is required to reduce fabrication time, maintain low temperatures, and avoid complex and expensive processes. The bottom up approaches are the most likely industrial path, in which nanoparticles from gas aggregation sources [ 12–15 ] are very promising and have been employed with success in laboratory solar cells. [ 16–18 ]…”