http://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies/special_issues/solar-cells/ The special issue Solar Cells is dedicated to recent advances made in basic research and technology of solar energy conversion systems. This issue compiles original and review papers covering a broad interdisciplinary spectrum on topics in solid state photodevices, charge carrier dynamics, new photovoltaic materials, quantum-dots based solar cells, nano-dimensioned photo-structures, mimetic systems, hydrogen photogeneration, organic and exiton solar cells and also innovative systems based on silicon technology. Related Special Issues in other Journals Solar Cells in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Submission All papers should be submitted to energies@mdpi.org with copy to the guest editor. To be published continuously until the deadline and papers will be listed together at the special websites. Submitted papers should not have been previously published nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. All papers are refereed through a peer review process. A guide for authors, sample copies and other relevant information for submitting papers are available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed quarterly journal published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International. Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a paper. Open Access publication fees are 300 CHF per paper. English correction fees (250 CHF) will be added in certain cases (550 CHF per paper for those papers that require extensive additional formatting and/or English corrections.). Article Processing Charges (APC) Article Processing Charges (APC) will be waived for well prepared manuscripts of invited papers. For the first two volumes of this new journal the APC are of 300 CHF (or 550 CHF per paper for those papers that require extensive additional formatting and/or English corrections). http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/3/313/ We present a review of the emerging class of hybrid solar cells based on organic-semiconductor (Group IV, III-V), nanocomposites, which states separately from dye synthesized, polymer-metal oxides and organic-inorganic (Group II-VI) nanocomposite photovoltaics. The structure of such hybrid cell comprises of an organic active material (p-type) deposited by coating, printing or spraying technique on the surface of bulk or nanostructured semiconductor (n-type) forming a heterojunction between the two materials. Organic components include various photosensitive monomers (e.g., phtalocyanines or porphyrines), conjugated polymers, and carbon nanotubes. Mechanisms of the charge separation at the interface and their transport are discussed. Also, perspectives on the future development of such hybrid cells and comparative analysis with other classes of photovoltaics of third generation are presented. http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/3/313/ Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CET Energies 2010-03-05 3 3 Review 313 334 1996-1073 Organic / IV, III-V Semiconductor Hybrid Solar Cells 2010-03-05 doi: 10.3390/en3030313 Pang-Leen Ong Igor A. Levitsky http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/3/301/ In blended hybrid systems distinct micro- or nanostructured materials can be formed by phase separation. Network structures of particles or rods in a polymer matrix can be developed via self-assembly. We use this blending approach to compare active materials for application in solar cell devices. Blends were fabricated from either poly(hexylthiophene) P3HT or poly(triphenylamine) PTPA mixed with nanocrystalline TiO2 rods. In this manner, we compare two different hole conducting polymers in their performance in photovoltaic devices, while experimental conditions are kept identical. We find that the choice of solvent and photovoltaic characterization conducted in inert atmosphere is of importance for blends prepared from P3HT/TiO2 blends, but not for PTPA/TiO2 blends. Even though prepared with the same TiO2 rods, solar cells prepared from PTPA blends showed an enhanced efficiency when measured under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the PTPA/TiO2 showed higher long-term stability. http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/3/301/ Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CET Energies 2010-03-05 3 3 Article 301 312 1996-1073 Comparison of Hybrid Blends for Solar Cell Application 2010-03-05 doi: 10.3390/en3030301 Maria C. Lechmann Dominik Koll Daniel Kessler Patrick Theato Wolfgang Tremel Jochen S. Gutmann http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/3/285/ Connected through single crystalline junctions, low dimensional materials such as nanowires and nanorods form complex nanostructures. These new materials exhibit mechanical strengths and electrical conductivities superior to their constituents while maintaining comparable surface areas, an attribute ideal for energetic applications. More efficient solar cells, higher capacity batteries and better performing photoelectrochemical cells have been built using these materials. This article reviews this exciting new class of materials and covers topics from controlled syntheses to applications in photovoltaics, chemical energy conversion and electrical charge storage. Mechanisms responsible for the improved performance are discussed. The prospect of their applications in a broader energy-related field is analyzed. http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/3/285/ Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CET Energies 2010-02-26 3 3 Review 285 300 1996-1073 Complex Nanostructures: Synthesis and Energetic Applications 2010-02-26 doi: 10.3390/en3030285 Xiaohua Liu Yongjing Lin Sa Zhou Stafford Sheehan Dunwei Wang http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/2/171/ We review several examples of how spectrally-selective photonic structures may be used to improve solar cell systems. Firstly, we introduce different spectrally-selective structures that are based on interference effects. Examples shown include Rugate filter, edge filter and 3D photonic crystals such as artificial opals. In the second part, we discuss several examples of photovoltaic (PV) concepts that utilize spectral selectivity such as fluorescence collectors, upconversion systems, spectrum splitting concepts and the intermediate reflector concept. The potential of spectrally selective filters in the context of solar cells is discussed. http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/3/2/171/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CET Energies 2010-01-27 3 2 Review 171 193 1996-1073 Spectrally-Selective Photonic Structures for PV Applications 2010-01-27 doi: 10.3390/en3020171 Marius Peters Jan Christoph Goldschmidt Philipp Löper Bernhard Groß Johannes Üpping Frank Dimroth Ralf B. Wehrspohn Benedikt Bläsi http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/2/4/1009/ This paper provides an overview of recent studies on energy storage in bifunctional TiO2 composite materials under UV and visible light. The working mechanism, property improvements and applications of these bifunctional TiO2 composite systems are introduced, respectively. The latest results obtained in our laboratory, especially a new process for photoelectric conversion and energy storage in TiO2/Cu2O bilayer films under visible light, are also presented. Hopefully this review will stimulate more fundamental and applied research on this subject in the future. http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/2/4/1009/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CET Energies 2009-11-06 2 4 Review 1009 1030 1996-1073 Energy Storage in Bifunctional TiO2 Composite Materials under UV and Visible Light 2009-11-06 doi: 10.3390/en20401009 Liangbin Xiong Jialin Li Ying Yu http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/2/3/504/ Solar cells are a promising renewable, carbon-free electric energy resource to address the fossil fuel shortage and global warming. Energy conversion efficiencies around 40% have been recently achieved in laboratories using III-V semiconductor compounds as photovoltaic materials. This article reviews the efforts and accomplishments made for higher efficiency III-V semiconductor compound solar cells, specifically with multijunction tandem, lower-dimensional, photonic up/down conversion, and plasmonic metallic structures. Technological strategies for further performance improvement from the most efficient (Al)InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge triple-junction cells including the search for 1.0 eV bandgap semiconductors are discussed. Lower-dimensional systems such as quantum well and dot structures are being intensively studied to realize multiple exciton generation and multiple photon absorption to break the conventional efficiency limit. Implementation of plasmonic metallic nanostructures manipulating photonic energy flow directions to enhance sunlight absorption in thin photovoltaic semiconductor materials is also emerging. http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/2/3/504/ Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CEST Energies 2009-07-13 2 3 Review 504 530 1996-1073 A Review of Ultrahigh Efficiency III-V Semiconductor Compound Solar Cells: Multijunction Tandem, Lower Dimensional, Photonic Up/Down Conversion and Plasmonic Nanometallic Structures 2009-07-13 doi: 10.3390/en20300504 Katsuaki Tanabe