Solar cells efficiency limits can be calculated either by thermodynamic or detailed balance approaches. For a single energy (i.e., single junction) solar cell, detailed balance equations are identical to the thermodynamic equations. However, standard detailed balance techniques cannot be directly used to analyze new approaches for higher efficiency solar cells if mechanisms other than radiative...

Development of ternary metal oxide (TMO) based electron transporting layer (ETL) for perovskite solar cell open a new approaches toward efficient a unique strategy for solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs). In the present investigation, highly porous zinc tin oxide (Zn2SnO4) scaffold nanofibers has been synthesized by electrospinning technique and successfully used for methyl ammoniu...

This article reviews the motivations for developing polymer-based photovoltaics and describes some of the material systems used. Current challenges are identified, and some recent developments in the field are outlined. In particular, recent work to image and control nanostructure in polymer-based solar cells is reviewed, and very recent progress is described using the unique properties of orga...

Advanced concepts for high efficiency solar cells such as hot carrier effects, Multi-Exciton Generation (MEG), and Intermediate-Band (IB) absorption in low-dimensional nanostructures are under focused research topics in recent years. Among various potential approaches, this chapter is devoted to the device physics and development of the state-of-the-art technologies for quantum dot-based IB sol...

As worldwide demand for fossil fuels depletes reserves, scientists are increasingly focused on generating alternative energy— especially if it can be produced cleanly and inexpensively. Hydroelectric, solar, wind, nuclear, and biomass technologies are replacing coal, oil, and natural gas. Many of these new technologies have similar costs. Yet the availability of materials or existing infrastruc...

We present proof-of-concept all-carbon solar cells. They are made of a photoactive side of predominantly semiconducting nanotubes for photoconversion and a counter electrode made of a natural mixture of carbon nanotubes or graphite, connected by a liquid electrolyte through a redox reaction. The cells do not require rare source materials such as In or Pt, nor high-grade semiconductor processing...

Solar cells and photodetectors are devices that convert an optical input into current. A solar cell is an example of a photovoltaic device, i.e, a device that generates voltage when exposed to light. The photovoltaic effect was discovered by Alexander-Edmond Becquerel in 1839, in a junction formed between an electrode (platinum) and an electrolyte (silver chloride). The first photovoltaic devic...

The different arrangements and combinations in which carbon can exist produce a wide variety of compounds that have unique physical, chemical and electrical properties. Some of these allotropes behave as conductors while others are classified as semiconducting. Our efforts focused on taking advantage of the carbon-based materials’ potential and optimally we employed them together to form an all...

Acknowledgements In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…….oh wait that was too early . Where do I begin these acknowledgements? Who should I acknowledge? It's 1:57 a.m., I'm in a noffice with no room number, listening to Kanye West, and my mind is wrecked from writing this thesis. The truth is although I'm beaten and tired; the questions of " where do I begin these acknowledgeme...