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Solar Cells

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2010) | Viewed by 102391

Special Issue Editor

Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit GRSmbH, Theodor-Heuss-Straße 4, 38122 Braunschweig, Germany
Interests: photovoltaic; charge carrier transport dynamics; solid-state junctions; energy conversion; photovoltaic materials; silicon technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

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.

Dr. Andrés G. Muñoz
Guest Editor

Keywords

  • photovoltaic
  • charge carrier transport dynamics
  • solid-state junctions
  • energy conversion
  • photovoltaic materials
  • silicon technology

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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574 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Doped Amorphous Silicon Thin Films through the Investigation of Dopant Elements by Glow Discharge Spectrometry: A Correlation of Conductivity and Bandgap Energy Measurements
by Pascal Sánchez, Olaya Lorenzo, Armando Menéndez, Jose Luis Menéndez, David Gomez, Rosario Pereiro and Beatriz Fernández
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(4), 2200-2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12042200 - 30 Mar 2011
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 9757
Abstract
The determination of optical parameters, such as absorption and extinction coefficients, refractive index and the bandgap energy, is crucial to understand the behavior and final efficiency of thin film solar cells based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). The influence of small variations of [...] Read more.
The determination of optical parameters, such as absorption and extinction coefficients, refractive index and the bandgap energy, is crucial to understand the behavior and final efficiency of thin film solar cells based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). The influence of small variations of the gas flow rates used for the preparation of the p-a-SiC:H layer on the bandgap energy, as well as on the dopant elements concentration, thickness and conductivity of the p-layer, is investigated in this work using several complementary techniques. UV-NIR spectrophotometry and ellipsometry were used for the determination of bandgap energies of four p-a-SiC:H thin films, prepared by using different B2H6 and SiH4 fluxes (B2H6 from 12 sccm to 20 sccm and SiH4 from 6 sccm to 10 sccm). Moreover, radiofrequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry technique was used for depth profiling characterization of p-a-SiC:H thin films and valuable information about dopant elements concentration and distribution throughout the coating was found. Finally, a direct relationship between the conductivity of p-a-SiC:H thin films and the dopant elements concentration, particularly boron and carbon, was observed for the four selected samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Cells)
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406 KiB  
Article
Poly[(3-hexylthiophene)-block-(3-semifluoroalkylthiophene)] for Polymer Solar Cells
by Ichiko Yamada, Koji Takagi, Yasuhiko Hayashi, Tetsuo Soga, Norio Shibata and Takeshi Toru
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11(12), 5027-5039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms11125027 - 06 Dec 2010
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 9596
Abstract
We report the synthesis of poly[(3-hexylthiophene)-block-(3-(4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoroheptyl)thiophene)], P(3HT-b-3SFT), carried out by the Grignard Metathesis Method (GRIM). The copolymers composition was determined by 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopies, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thin films of P(3HT‑b [...] Read more.
We report the synthesis of poly[(3-hexylthiophene)-block-(3-(4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoroheptyl)thiophene)], P(3HT-b-3SFT), carried out by the Grignard Metathesis Method (GRIM). The copolymers composition was determined by 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopies, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thin films of P(3HT‑b‑3SFT) were investigated by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We also fabricated bulk-hetero junction (BHJ) solar cells based on blends of P(3HT-b-3SFT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Although the composition ratio of P3SFT in P(3HT-b-3SFT) was low, the influence of P3SFT on the morphology and properties of solar cells was significant. The annealing process for the BHJ solar cells induced the formation of large domains and led to poor solar cell performance. The BHJ solar cells, based on PCBM and P(3HT-b-3SFT), prepared by the non-annealing process, had a maximum power conversion efficiency of 0.84% under 100 mW/cm2 (AM 1.5 solar illumination) in air. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Cells)
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786 KiB  
Article
Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Red Turnip and Purple Wild Sicilian Prickly Pear Fruits
by Giuseppe Calogero, Gaetano Di Marco, Silvia Cazzanti, Stefano Caramori, Roberto Argazzi, Aldo Di Carlo and Carlo Alberto Bignozzi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11(1), 254-267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms11010254 - 20 Jan 2010
Cited by 213 | Viewed by 22812
Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled by using the bougainvillea flowers, red turnip and the purple wild Sicilian prickly pear fruit juice extracts as natural sensitizers of TiO2 films. The yellow orange indicaxanthin and the red purple betacyanins are the main components [...] Read more.
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled by using the bougainvillea flowers, red turnip and the purple wild Sicilian prickly pear fruit juice extracts as natural sensitizers of TiO2 films. The yellow orange indicaxanthin and the red purple betacyanins are the main components in the cocktail of natural dyes obtained from these natural products. The best overall solar energy conversion efficiency of 1.7% was obtained, under AM 1.5 irradiation, with the red turnip extract, that showed a remarkable current density (Jsc = 9.5 mA/cm2) and a high IPCE value (65% at λ = 470 nm). Also the purple extract of the wild Sicilian prickly pear fruit showed interesting performances, with a Jsc of 9.4 mA/cm2, corresponding to a solar to electrical power conversion of 1.26%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Cells)
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Review

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476 KiB  
Review
High Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency of Metal Phthalocyanine/Fullerene Heterojunction Photovoltaic Device
by Chi-Feng Lin, Mi Zhang, Shun-Wei Liu, Tien-Lung Chiu and Jiun-Haw Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(1), 476-505; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12010476 - 17 Jan 2011
Cited by 83 | Viewed by 17277
Abstract
This paper introduces the fundamental physical characteristics of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Photoelectric conversion efficiency is crucial to the evaluation of quality in OPV devices, and enhancing efficiency has been spurring on researchers to seek alternatives to this problem. In this paper, we [...] Read more.
This paper introduces the fundamental physical characteristics of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Photoelectric conversion efficiency is crucial to the evaluation of quality in OPV devices, and enhancing efficiency has been spurring on researchers to seek alternatives to this problem. In this paper, we focus on organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices and review several approaches to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of small molecular heterojunction OPV devices based on an optimal metal-phthalocyanine/fullerene (C60) planar heterojunction thin film structure. For the sake of discussion, these mechanisms have been divided into electrical and optical sections: (1) Electrical: Modification on electrodes or active regions to benefit carrier injection, charge transport and exciton dissociation; (2) Optical: Optional architectures or infilling to promote photon confinement and enhance absorption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Cells)
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1570 KiB  
Review
Molecular Photovoltaics in Nanoscale Dimension
by Vladimir Burtman, Alexander Zelichonok and Andrei V. Pakoulev
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(1), 173-225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12010173 - 05 Jan 2011
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10842
Abstract
This review focuses on the intrinsic charge transport in organic photovoltaic (PVC) devices and field-effect transistors (SAM-OFETs) fabricated by vapor phase molecular self-assembly (VP-SAM) method. The dynamics of charge transport are determined and used to clarify a transport mechanism. The 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-tetracarboxylic diphenylimide (NTCDI) [...] Read more.
This review focuses on the intrinsic charge transport in organic photovoltaic (PVC) devices and field-effect transistors (SAM-OFETs) fabricated by vapor phase molecular self-assembly (VP-SAM) method. The dynamics of charge transport are determined and used to clarify a transport mechanism. The 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-tetracarboxylic diphenylimide (NTCDI) SAM devices provide a useful tool to study the fundamentals of polaronic transport at organic surfaces and to discuss the performance of organic photovoltaic devices in nanoscale. Time-resolved photovoltaic studies allow us to separate the charge annihilation kinetics in the conductive NTCDI channel from the overall charge kinetic in a SAM-OFET device. It has been demonstrated that tuning of the type of conductivity in NTCDI SAM-OFET devices is possible by changing Si substrate doping. Our study of the polaron charge transfer in organic materials proposes that a cation-radical exchange (redox) mechanism is the major transport mechanism in the studied SAM-PVC devices. The role and contribution of the transport through delocalized states of redox active surface molecular aggregates of NTCDI are exposed and investigated. This example of technological development is used to highlight the significance of future technological development of nanotechnologies and to appreciate a structure-property paradigm in organic nanostructures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Cells)
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1072 KiB  
Review
Acetylene-Based Materials in Organic Photovoltaics
by Fabio Silvestri and Assunta Marrocchi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11(4), 1471-1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms11041471 - 08 Apr 2010
Cited by 105 | Viewed by 16982
Abstract
Fossil fuel alternatives, such as solar energy, are moving to the forefront in a variety of research fields. Organic photovoltaic systems hold the promise of a lightweight, flexible, cost-effective solar energy conversion platform, which could benefit from simple solution-processing of the active layer. [...] Read more.
Fossil fuel alternatives, such as solar energy, are moving to the forefront in a variety of research fields. Organic photovoltaic systems hold the promise of a lightweight, flexible, cost-effective solar energy conversion platform, which could benefit from simple solution-processing of the active layer. The discovery of semiconductive polyacetylene by Heeger et al. in the late 1970s was a milestone towards the use of organic materials in electronics; the development of efficient protocols for the palladium catalyzed alkynylation reactions and the new conception of steric and conformational advantages of acetylenes have been recently focused the attention on conjugated triple-bond containing systems as a promising class of semiconductors for OPVs applications. We review here the most important and representative (poly)arylacetylenes that have been used in the field. A general introduction to (poly)arylacetylenes, and the most common synthetic approaches directed toward making these materials will be firstly given. After a brief discussion on working principles and critical parameters of OPVs, we will focus on molecular arylacetylenes, (co)polymers containing triple bonds, and metallopolyyne polymers as p-type semiconductor materials. The last section will deal with hybrids in which oligomeric/polymeric structures incorporating acetylenic linkages such as phenylene ethynylenes have been attached onto C60, and their use as the active materials in photovoltaic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Cells)
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Graphical abstract

1459 KiB  
Review
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on the Principles and Materials of Photosynthesis: Mechanisms of Suppression and Enhancement of Photocurrent and Conversion Efficiency
by Yasushi Koyama, Takeshi Miki, Xiao-Feng Wang and Hiroyoshi Nagae
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(11), 4575-4622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10114575 - 27 Oct 2009
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 14158
Abstract
Attempts have been made to develop dye-sensitized solar cells based on the principles and materials of photosynthesis: We first tested photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids (Cars), chlorophylls (Chls) and their derivatives, to find sensitizers showing reasonable performance (photocurrent and conversion efficiency). We then tried to [...] Read more.
Attempts have been made to develop dye-sensitized solar cells based on the principles and materials of photosynthesis: We first tested photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids (Cars), chlorophylls (Chls) and their derivatives, to find sensitizers showing reasonable performance (photocurrent and conversion efficiency). We then tried to introduce the principles of photosynthesis, including electron transfer and energy transfer from Car to Phe a. Also, we tried co-sensitization using the pheophorbide (Phe) a and Chl c2 pair which further enhanced the performance of the component sensitizers as follows: Jsc = 9.0 + 13.8 → 14.0 mA cm–2 and η = 3.4 + 4.6 → 5.4%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Cells)
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