Advancing the Sustainable Application of Nanostructured Materials in Solar Cells
A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Solar Energy and Solar Cells".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 8071
Special Issue Editor
Interests: development of high performance nanostructured and nanocomposite materials based on superthin/thin/thick films using novel and advanced materials synthesis methods for solar cells; energy storage; optoelectronics applications; non-vacuum Chemical Vapour Deposition technology
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The continuous development of society and economy has generated an ever-increasing demand for energy. However, the current reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels not only contributes to the energy crisis but also leads to detrimental environmental pollution. To address these challenges, countries worldwide are actively pursuing sustainable approaches to energy development. Solar energy, as a clean and renewable source, holds immense potential in resolving the energy crisis and preserving the environment. While significant progress has been made in recent decades, further advancements are still needed to fully replace conventional energy sources with solar cells.
One promising approach to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of solar cells is the utilization of nanostructured materials. For instance, the integration of quantum dots and nanowires with unique optical properties can enhance light absorption across a broader spectrum, resulting in increased light harvesting and overall efficiency. Nanomaterials also offer a high surface-to-volume ratio, facilitating a larger interface between the active layer of the solar cell and the incident light. This leads to improved light absorption, more efficient charge separation, and consequently, higher power conversion efficiency. Additionally, nanomaterials can be designed and engineered to achieve an optimized bandgap for efficient light absorption and improved power conversion. Furthermore, nanostructured materials enhance charge transport properties, minimize charge recombination, and maximize the collection of charge carriers, thereby improving solar cell efficiency. Moreover, nanomaterials can be integrated into flexible substrates and processed using scalable, low-cost, and low temperature manufacturing techniques, expanding the applications of solar cells. Various nanomaterials with unique properties can also be combined with other perovskite materials, inorganic or organic semiconductors, to create high-performance hybrid solar cells.
This Special Issue aims to compile recent advancements in utilizing nanomaterials to enhance the efficiency, stability, and versatility of solar cells, thereby promoting more sustainable and efficient conversion of solar energy. We cordially invite researchers to submit original research articles and reviews covering a broad range of topics related to the advancements of nanomaterials in solar cells, including but not limited to:
- Development of novel nanomaterials to improve light absorption;
- Strategies for enhancing charge transport and collection in nanomaterial-based solar cells;
- Bandgap engineering and optimization techniques using nanomaterials;
- Integration of nanomaterials with other advanced technologies for synergistic effects in solar cell performance;
- Design and fabrication of flexible and lightweight solar cells utilizing nanomaterials;
- Enhancements in stability and durability through the incorporation of nanomaterials;
- Exploration of sustainable and earth-abundant nanomaterials for solar cell applications;
- Low-energy methods for nanomaterial fabrication in solar cell production;
- Innovative device nanostructures incorporating nanomaterials for improved performance.
Contributions on all types of solar cells are welcome, including but not limited to tandem solar cells, perovskite solar cells, tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells, organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum-dot-based solar cells, chalcogenides-based nanomaterials for solar cells, hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells and other relevant solar cell technologies.
We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions, as they will significantly contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of nanomaterials for solar cell applications.
Prof. Dr. Kwang Leong Choy
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- solar cells
- nanomaterials
- sustainable solutions
- solar energy
- photovoltaic performance
- light absorption
- power conversion efficiency
- charge transport
- stability and durability
- perovskite solar cells
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