Nanomaterials for solar cell applications

Nanomaterials for Solar Cell Applications provides a review of recent developments in the field of nanomaterials based solar cells. It begins with a discussion of the fundamentals of nanomaterials for solar calls, including a discussion of lifecycle assessments and characterization techniques. Next, it reviews various types of solar cells, i.e., Thin film, Metal-oxide, Nanowire, Nanorod and Nanoporous materials, and more. Other topics covered include a review of quantum dot sensitized and perovskite and polymer nanocomposites-based solar cells. This book is an ideal resource for those working in this evolving field of nanomaterials and renewable energy.

Includes index.

Front Cover; Nanomaterials for Solar Cell Applications; Copyright Page; Contents; List of Contributors; Preface; I. Fundamental of nanomaterials for solar cells; 1 Fundamentals of solar cells; 1.1 Introduction; 1.2 The solar resource, solar energy; 1.3 Principles of photovoltaic energy conversion; 1.4 Semiconductors; 1.4.1 Bands, electrons, and holes; 1.4.2 Doping, n and p types; 1.4.3 Generation and recombination of electron-holes pairs; 1.4.3.1 Absorption; 1.5 Solar cell structure, operation, and main parameters; 1.5.1 p-n Junction

1.5.2 Structure, operation, and main parameters of solar cells1.5.2.1 Dark current due to voltage; 1.5.2.2 Superposition and IV curve; 1.6 Upper limit for solar energy conversion; 1.7 Reducing Boltzmann losses: optical concentration and angular restriction; 1.7.1 Optical concentration; 1.7.1.1 Practical concentrators; 1.7.2 Angular restriction; 1.7.2.1 Optics for angular restriction; 1.8 Reducing thermalization and below-Eg losses: advanced concepts of photovoltaic cells; 1.8.1 Multijunction (MJ) solar cells; 1.8.2 Other concepts; 1.8.2.1 Quantum solar cells

1.8.2.2 Intermediate band solar cells1.8.2.3 Hot carrier solar cells; 1.8.2.4 Multiple excit…