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Solar cell material produced at low cost achieves high efficiency

Researchers at the University Malaya (UM) and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) have achieved an efficiency of 1.12 %, at a fraction of the cost compared to those used by platinum-based solar cell material. Their work on dye-sensitized solar cells carried out in Taiwan took on the challenge of making the technology more affordable by replacing the costly platinum counter-electrodes with bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nano-sheet arrays. Using a novel electrolysis process, the group managed to closely manipulate the spacing between individual nano-sheets and hence control the thermal and electrical conductivity parameters to achieve high efficiency of 1.12%. This is comparable […]

By Diana A. N. March 24, 20140

Their work on dye-sensitized solar cells carried out in Taiwan took on the challenge of making the technology more affordable by replacing the costly platinum counter-electrodes with bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nano-sheet arrays.

Using a novel electrolysis process, the group managed to closely manipulate the spacing between individual nano-sheets and hence control the thermal and electrical conductivity parameters to achieve high efficiency of 1.12%.

This is comparable to platinum devices, but only at a fraction of the cost.

Reference:
Research Sea + University of Malaya

Diana A. N.

Diana writes about eco-trends, green living, and sustainable technologies that help us live healthy/active lifestyles. She is also a freelance fashion blogger, and an "Instagram Influencer" (@effortlesslady) in Ottawa, ON — Canada.