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Published on: November 5, 2014
A bicontinuous double gyroid hybrid solar cell
Edward J W Crossland1, Marleen Kamperman, Mihaela Nedelcu
1Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
Nano Letters
|November 15, 2008
Summary
Researchers created a novel semiconducting gyroid network for hybrid solar cells. This ordered structure enables efficient infiltration, leading to thin, high-efficiency solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cells offer potential for efficient energy conversion.
- Achieving ordered nanostructures is crucial for optimizing charge transport and device performance.
- Block copolymer self-assembly provides a route to create complex nanoscale architectures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the first application of an ordered bicontinuous gyroid semiconducting network in a hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cell.
- To investigate the fabrication of this network using electrochemical deposition into block copolymer templates.
- To evaluate the performance of solar cells incorporating this novel nanostructure.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a freestanding gyroid network via electrochemical deposition.
- Utilizing a self-assembled, selectively degradable block copolymer film with 10 nm voided channels.
- Infiltration of the gyroid network with an organic hole transporting material.
- Fabrication and testing of thin (400 nm) solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.
Main Results:
- Successful application of an ordered bicontinuous gyroid semiconducting network in a hybrid solar cell.
- The ordered pore structure facilitated uniform infiltration of the hole transporting material.
- Thin solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells achieved up to 1.7% power conversion efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The gyroid semiconducting network is a promising nanostructure for advanced solar cell technologies.
- The demonstrated patterning technique is versatile and applicable to other heterojunction systems.
- This work represents a significant advancement in utilizing self-assembly for next-generation device technologies.
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