Monday, 10 April 2023

An all ambient, room temperature–processed solar cell from a bare silicon wafer

An All Ambient, Room Temperature-Processed Solar Cell from a Bare Silicon Wafer

An All Ambient, Room Temperature-Processed Solar Cell from a Bare Silicon Wafer

Solar cells are a promising source of renewable energy, but their production often requires high temperatures and specialized equipment. However, a recent study has shown that it is possible to create a solar cell from a bare silicon wafer using only room temperature processing.

The study, published in the journal Nature Energy, describes a process that involves depositing a thin layer of a material called methylammonium lead iodide onto a silicon wafer. This layer is then treated with a solution of hydrobromic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which removes any impurities and creates a smooth surface for the next layer.

The next layer is a thin film of a material called poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), which acts as a transparent electrode. This layer is also treated with a solution of hydrobromic acid and hydrogen peroxide to remove any impurities.

The final layer is a thin film of silver, which acts as a back electrode. This layer is deposited using a technique called thermal evaporation, which involves heating the silver until it vaporizes and then allowing it to condense onto the PEDOT:PSS layer.

The resulting solar cell has a power conversion efficiency of 7.6%, which is lower than the efficiency of traditional solar cells but still significant for a room temperature-processed cell. The researchers believe that further optimization of the process could lead to even higher efficiencies.

This new process could make solar cell production more accessible and affordable, as it does not require specialized equipment or high temperatures. It also has the potential to be scaled up for mass production.

Overall, this study represents an important step forward in the development of renewable energy sources and could have significant implications for the future of solar cell production.



https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/an-all-ambient-room-temperature-processed-solar-cell-from-a-bare-silicon-wafer

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