Industrial-Scale Implementation of Nanomaterials: A Case Study in Solar Energy

In the last decade there has been a significant, resurgent interest in renewable energy systems. Solar energy conversion is of particular interest owing to the abundance of the source. Approximately 85% of today’s commercial solar cells are based on crystalline Si (mean module efficiencies of 14-16%), yet they are relatively expensive (~$1.6/W). On the other hand, ~15% of the PV market is based on CdTe thin films, which provide lower cost (<$1/W) though with lower module efficiencies (9-12%). Concurrently, the intersection of solar energy and nanotechnology research has flourished in the last 5 or so years. The above discussion highlights three key question facing the solar energy field: 1) how can the efficiency of solar cells be increased to competitive levels with other energy sources?; 2) how can the cost of solar cells be decreased to a level suitable first for secondary and ultimately for primary power generation?; 3) how can both of these goals be achieved in a single solar cell device and related manufacturing process? These questions lead to yet another question that is the central theme of this talk: can nanotechnology be used to address either of the above three questions from an industrial perspective, and if so, how? The presentation will then explore the recent literature in the application of various classes of nanostructures to photovoltaics. These are classified as: (a) nanocomposites & nanostructured materials, (b) quantum wells, (c) nanowires & nanotubes, (d) nanoparticles & quantum dots. Both the potential advantages of each nanostructure approach, as well as the disadvantages will be discussed from an industrial perspective, with an emphasis on possible future areas of research interest. Parameters that will be considered are the potential efficiency, cost, reliability, manufacturing scalability, yield, and related parameters critical to ultimate successful deployment of a PV technology. An example from our own work on Si nanowire solar cells will also be described. Throughout the talk, cases in which the use of nanostructures may address issues of cost or can enhance the performance of conventional solar cells will also be highlighted. Various generic scientific challenges facing the use of nanostructures in PV, e.g. charge transport phenomena, surface recombination, etc. will also be given. The talk will conclude with a summary of the future prospects of using nanostructures in PV.