Nanoparticles could allow for lighter and more economical solar cells.
Light-sensitive particles called colloidal quantum dots could lead to cheaper solar cells, as well as "better gas sensors, infrared lasers, infrared light emitting diodes and more," a University of Toronto news release reported.
Using these particles to collect sunlight is reliant on two types of semiconductors: electron-rich n-type and electron-poor p-type.
The problem is that when n-type material is exposed to oxygen in binds to the atoms, giving up their electrons and becoming p-type.
A research team demonstrated a colloidal quantum dot n-type that does not bind to oxygen atoms when exposed to air. This can make for a more efficient solar cell. It boosts light absorption, which can lead to a slew of new optoelectronic devices that make the most of both light and electricity.
The method could also lead to advanced "weather satellites, remote controllers, satellite communication, or pollution detectors," the news release reported.
"This is a material innovation, that's the first part, and with this new material we can build new device structures," post-doctoral researcher Zhijun Ning, said in the news release. "Iodide is almost a perfect ligand for these quantum solar cells with both high efficiency and air stability-no one has shown that before."
The new "hybrid n- and p-type material" reached a solar power conversion efficiency of eight percent, which it the best ever reported.
The tiny "dots" could help do away with bulky solar cells, and could be easily incorporated into roof shingles, lowering the cost of solar power for everyone.
"The field of colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics requires continued improvement in absolute performance, or power conversion efficiency," Sargent said. "The field has moved fast, and keeps moving fast, but we need to work toward bringing performance to commercially compelling levels."
