Solar Cell Nanotechnology

This important volume details new and developing solar cell nanotechnologies that are not silicon based but with enormous potential for higher energy efficiency

Developments in human civilization have revolved around the consumption of energy. Materials scientists and engineers have taken up the dual challenge of reducing our dependence on fossil fuel resources while giving new hope to nations with limited or no natural energy sources. In the last few decades, technologies based on solar cells have become well established and new techniques of materials synthesis and their integration in novel engineering designs have helped the industry produce solar cells with high-energy efficiency.

Summarizing the explosion of recent research so that readers are able to draw meaningful practical conclusions, this unique book looks at non-silicon based solar cells which are either in the development phase or likely to be future competitors of silicon solar cells. The book is comprised of seventeen chapters, each written by an expert in their field. Topics are broadly designed to cover dye-sensitized types of solar cells and their related problems, layered types of solar cells, application of lithography in solar cells, and luminescent solar and plasmonic light trapping. One of the most recent discoveries, graphene, a crystalline form of carbon, is covered as well as its application in organic types of solar cells. Finally, analytical modeling and electrical circuit design, another important aspect of solar cell development, are also included. The final section of the book includes a series of articles written on putative future trends in this area.

Readership
Solar Cell Nanotechnology will enjoy a broad readership including materials science scholars and researchers from diverse backgrounds as well as commercial sectors looking for innovative solar cell materials and related technologies. Readers will gain in-depth knowledge in new areas of solar cell technology, which are not commonly known and for which there is little available literature.