Current Status of Inorganic Solar Cells Using Quantum Structures

Seung      Yeop Myong

doi:10.2174/187221012798109264

Abstract

Thermalization of photogenerated carriers in bulk materials is the main bottleneck for the conversion efficiency of conventional inorganic solar cells. Furthermore, the achieved conversion efficiency has nearly saturated during the last decade despite extensive research. Therefore, new device concepts to break through the efficiency barrier are highly requested. Nanotechnologies are the building blocks for next-generation solar cells because low-dimensional quantum structures can possibly reduce thermalization and extend the light absorption range. In addition, very thin nanostructured inorganic solar cells provide us with good opportunity to reach highly competitive mass production. Hereafter, recently invented inorganic solar cells using quantum structures will be reviewed.

Keywords: Inorganic solar cell, multiple quantum well, superlattice, quantum dot, multilayer, plasmonics, nanostructure, Solar Cells, Quantum Structures, quantum well, global warming, renewable energy, solar module market, multi-crystalline Si, bulk-semiconductor-based solar cells, photogenerated carriers, Density of states, MQW absorber, SL absorber