Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors
Heifer International



Home > Press > NRL achieves highest open-circuit voltage for quantum dot solar cells

Schematic of metal-lead sulfide quantum dot Schottky junction solar cells (glass/ITO/PbS QDs/LiF/Al). Novel Schottky junction solar cells developed at NRL are capable of achieving the highest open-circuit voltages ever reported for colloidal QD based solar cells.Photo: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Schematic of metal-lead sulfide quantum dot Schottky junction solar cells (glass/ITO/PbS QDs/LiF/Al). Novel Schottky junction solar cells developed at NRL are capable of achieving the highest open-circuit voltages ever reported for colloidal QD based solar cells.

Photo: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Abstract:
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) research scientists and engineers in the Electronics Science and Technology Division have demonstrated the highest recorded open-circuit voltages for quantum dot solar cells to date. Using colloidal lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystal quantum dot (QD) substances, researchers achieved an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 692 millivolts (mV) using the QD bandgap of a 1.4 electron volt (eV) in QD solar cell under one-sun illumination.

NRL achieves highest open-circuit voltage for quantum dot solar cells

Washington, DC | Posted on September 13th, 2013

These results clearly demonstrate that there is a tremendous opportunity for improvement of open-circuit voltages greater than one volt by using smaller QDs in QD solar cells," said Woojun Yoon, Ph.D., NRC postdoctoral researcher, NRL Solid State Devices Branch. "Solution processability coupled with the potential for multiple exciton generation processes make nanocrystal quantum dots promising candidates for third generation low-cost and high-efficiency photovoltaics."

Despite this remarkable potential for high photocurrent generation, the achievable open-circuit voltage is fundamentally limited due to non-radiative recombination processes in QD solar cells. To overcome this boundary, NRL researchers have reengineered molecular passivation in metal-QD Schottky junction (unidirectional metal to semiconductor junction) solar cells capable of achieving the highest open-circuit voltages ever reported for colloidal QD based solar cells.

Experimental results demonstrate that by improving the passivation of the PbS QD surface through tailored annealing of QD and metal-QD interface using lithium fluoride (LiF) passivation with an optimized LiF thickness. This proves critical for reducing dark current densities by passivating localized traps in the PbS QD surface and metal-QD interface close to the junction, therefore minimizing non-radiative recombination processes in the cells.

Over the last decade, Department of Defense (DoD) analyses and the department's recent FY12 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, has cited the military's fossil fuel dependence as a strategic risk and identified renewable energy and energy efficiency investments as key mitigation measures. Research at NRL is committed to supporting the goals and mission of the DoD by providing basic and applied research toward mission-ready renewable and sustainable energy technologies that include hybrid fuels and fuel cells, photovoltaics, and carbon-neutral biological microorganisms.

####

About Naval Research Laboratory
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is the Navy's full-spectrum corporate laboratory, conducting a broadly based multidisciplinary program of scientific research and advanced technological development. The Laboratory, with a total complement of nearly 2,500 personnel, is located in southwest Washington, D.C., with other major sites at the Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Monterey, Calif. NRL has served the Navy and the nation for over 85 years and continues to meet the complex technological challenges of today's world. For more information, visit the NRL homepage or join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Daniel Parry

202-767-2541

Copyright © Naval Research Laboratory

If you have a comment, please Contact us.

Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

Related News Press

News and information

INRS and ELI deepen strategic partnership to train the next generation in laser science:PhD students will benefit from international mobility and privileged access to cutting-edge infrastructure June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature June 6th, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states June 6th, 2025

Laboratories

Giving batteries a longer life with the Advanced Photon Source: New research uncovers a hydrogen-centered mechanism that triggers degradation in the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles September 13th, 2024

A 2D device for quantum cooling:EPFL engineers have created a device that can efficiently convert heat into electrical voltage at temperatures lower than that of outer space. The innovation could help overcome a significant obstacle to the advancement of quantum computing technol July 5th, 2024

A battery’s hopping ions remember where they’ve been: Seen in atomic detail, the seemingly smooth flow of ions through a battery’s electrolyte is surprisingly complicated February 16th, 2024

NRL discovers two-dimensional waveguides February 16th, 2024

Govt.-Legislation/Regulation/Funding/Policy

INRS and ELI deepen strategic partnership to train the next generation in laser science:PhD students will benefit from international mobility and privileged access to cutting-edge infrastructure June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

Institute for Nanoscience hosts annual proposal planning meeting May 16th, 2025

Rice researchers harness gravity to create low-cost device for rapid cell analysis February 28th, 2025

Discoveries

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change June 6th, 2025

Cambridge chemists discover simple way to build bigger molecules – one carbon at a time June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states June 6th, 2025

Announcements

INRS and ELI deepen strategic partnership to train the next generation in laser science:PhD students will benefit from international mobility and privileged access to cutting-edge infrastructure June 6th, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage June 6th, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature June 6th, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states June 6th, 2025

Military

Quantum engineers ‘squeeze’ laser frequency combs to make more sensitive gas sensors January 17th, 2025

Chainmail-like material could be the future of armor: First 2D mechanically interlocked polymer exhibits exceptional flexibility and strength January 17th, 2025

Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024

NRL charters Navy’s quantum inertial navigation path to reduce drift April 5th, 2024

Energy

Portable Raman analyzer detects hydrogen leaks from a distance: Device senses tiny concentration changes of hydrogen in ambient air, offering a dependable way to detect and locate leaks in pipelines and industrial systems April 25th, 2025

KAIST researchers introduce new and improved, next-generation perovskite solar cell​ November 8th, 2024

Unveiling the power of hot carriers in plasmonic nanostructures August 16th, 2024

Groundbreaking precision in single-molecule optoelectronics August 16th, 2024

Fuel Cells

Current and Future Developments in Nanomaterials and Carbon Nanotubes: Applications of Nanomaterials in Energy Storage and Electronics October 28th, 2022

The “dense” potential of nanostructured superconductors: Scientists use unconventional spark plasma sintering method to prepare highly dense superconducting bulk magnesium diboride with a high current density October 7th, 2022

New iron catalyst could – finally! – make hydrogen fuel cells affordable: Study shows the low-cost catalyst can be a viable alternative to platinum that has stymied commercialization of the eco-friendly fuel for decades because it’s so expensive July 8th, 2022

Development of high-durability single-atomic catalyst using industrial humidifier: Identification of the operating mechanism of cobalt-based single-atomic catalyst and development of a mass production process. Utilization for catalyst development in various fields including fuel May 13th, 2022

Quantum Dots/Rods

A new kind of magnetism November 17th, 2023

IOP Publishing celebrates World Quantum Day with the announcement of a special quantum collection and the winners of two prestigious quantum awards April 14th, 2023

Qubits on strong stimulants: Researchers find ways to improve the storage time of quantum information in a spin rich material January 27th, 2023

NIST’s grid of quantum islands could reveal secrets for powerful technologies November 18th, 2022

Solar/Photovoltaic

KAIST researchers introduce new and improved, next-generation perovskite solar cell​ November 8th, 2024

Groundbreaking precision in single-molecule optoelectronics August 16th, 2024

Development of zinc oxide nanopagoda array photoelectrode: photoelectrochemical water-splitting hydrogen production January 12th, 2024

Shedding light on unique conduction mechanisms in a new type of perovskite oxide November 17th, 2023

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE




  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More











ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project