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Article

Title: Nanowires Used to Push Solar Efficiency

Author: Greenwood, Michael A Article Type: Product Analysis
Source: Photonics Spectra, p84(1) Publication Date: Jun 2008
  ISSN: 0731-1230
URL of Publication: http://www.photonics.com

A new solar cell design using polymer-based nanowires has been shown to increase energy conversion efficiencies. Design is such a critical factor in conversion efficiency that even a slight modification can have a significant impact. As they are relatively inexpensive, the use of polymers in solar cell design has been increasing recently. Until now, the most promising has been poly(3-hexylthiophene), with conversion efficiencies between 3 and 5 percent. These respectable, if not stellar, numbers may be challenged by polymer nanowires made from poly(3-butylthiophene). Using electron and atomic force microscopes, a University of Washington team led by Samson Jenekhe prepared the wires through solution-phase self-assembly. With individual wires measuring 8 to 10 nanometers in width and 5 to 10 micrometers in length, they constructed photovoltaic cells with an area of 10 square millimeters and a thickness of 80 nanometers. Tested in air and simulated sunlight, the nanowires achieved a conversion rate of 2.2 percent, up from 1 percent for a similar cell lacking the nanowires. A similar poly(3butylthiophene) nanowire cell reached 3 percent efficiency. If Jenekhe's team is correct in declaring that their results show the viability of poly(3butylthiophene) nanowires, this would expand the options available to solar cell manufacturers.

Companies:
TecTerms University of Washington (UW)

Products:
Innovation Nanowires
Solar Cells

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