Atomic-Scale Insights into Emergent Photovoltaic Absorbers

This book investigates alternative photovoltaic absorbers to increase the cost-effectiveness of solar power. It assesses the performance of over 20 materials using computational methods and provides advice for experimental investigations. It identifies the limitations of current materials and proposes new stable materials that are expected to show excellent photovoltaic performance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 151 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Solar power, a highly promising renewable energy solution, faces challenges due to the limited cost-effectiveness of current devices. To overcome this, this book conducts an original investigation into alternative photovoltaic absorbers. By employing state-of-the-art, first-principles methods, it assesses the photovoltaic performance of over 20 materials, providing insights into atomic-scale properties at a level of accuracy that is challenging to achieve through laboratory-based experimental techniques. Unlike many theoretical studies, this book offers practical advice to those involved in experimental investigations. Furthermore, it proposes future research directions to advance the field of photovoltaics.

In the first section, the book identifies the limitations of a specific class of proposed materials and sheds light on the factors that hinder their high efficiency. Through detailed analysis, it reveals insights that can be used to design future absorbers with improved performance.

In the second section, the book challenges the notion that poor performance in bismuth chalcohalides is due to fundamental limitations and demonstrates how finely controlling synthesis conditions can overcome these challenges. It presents a range of new stable materials that are expected to exhibit excellent photovoltaic performance, offering a promising avenue for future research.

Overall, this book contributes significantly to the field of photovoltaics by identifying key challenges, proposing solutions, and outlining future research directions. Its comprehensive approach and detailed analysis provide valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers interested in developing cost-effective and efficient solar power technologies.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030557102
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020