A research study conducted by scientists at the Universities of Cambridge and Sheffield could result in new production techniques for solar cells and potential advancements in solar energy.
The scientists conducted their research work using the Diamond Light Source and the ISIS Neutron Source at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory located in Oxfordshire. STFC is the major stakeholder in Diamond Light Source and is the owner and the operator of the ISIS neutron Source. The research findings were published in the Journal Advanced Energy Materials.
According to the study, when sophisticated mixtures of molecules in a solution are applied onto a surface, the dissimilar molecules split to the top and bottom of the layer like a cling-film, resulting in a solar cell with optimum efficiency. Plastic or polymer solar cells can be produced in large-scale quantities at lower cost than traditional silicon solar cells.
Andrew Parnell from the University of Sheffield, commented that the research outcomes help develop inexpensive solar panels for industrial and residential applications on a huge scale. Instead of utilizing expensive and difficult production methods to produce a particular semiconductor nanostructure, high volume printing could be utilized to fabricate 60 nm nano-scale films of solar cells, he said. These films can be utilized to produce lightweight, cheaper and portable plastic solar cell products such as solar panels.
ISIS scientist, Robert Dalgliesh, who is a part of the research work, commented that by utilizing bright X-rays of Diamond and ISIS’ neutron beams, the researchers could analyse the properties and internal structure of the solar cell materials without damaging them.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has funded the research work.