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Wire-supported CdSe nanowire array photoelectrochemical solar cells
Luhui Zhang1, Enzheng Shi, Zhen Li
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|February 8, 2012
Summary
New fiber solar cells use cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanowires for efficient light absorption. These flexible devices utilize carbon nanotube (CNT) films and offer stable performance, eliminating the need for secondary metal wires.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Traditional fiber solar cells rely on polymers or wide band-gap oxides.
- Limited efficiency and flexibility in existing fiber-shaped photovoltaic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop efficient and flexible fiber solar cells using semiconducting nanostructures.
- To explore the potential of cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanowires as light-absorbing materials in fiber photovoltaics.
Main Methods:
- Direct growth of vertical cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanowire arrays around a core metal wire.
- Fabrication of a porous transparent electrode using a carbon nanotube (CNT) film.
- Infiltration of nanowires with redox electrolyte and use of a condensed CNT yarn as the secondary electrode.
Main Results:
- Achieved power conversion efficiencies of 1-2% under AM 1.5 illumination for CdSe-CNT fiber solar cells.
- Demonstrated a simplified device architecture by using the CNT film's conductive yarn as the secondary electrode, eliminating the need for platinum.
- Maintained good flexibility and stable performance under bending and rotation.
Conclusions:
- CdSe nanowires are effective light-absorbing materials for efficient fiber solar cells.
- The developed CdSe-CNT fiber solar cells offer a flexible, stable, and potentially cost-effective alternative to conventional fiber photovoltaics.
