In the realm of solar energy research, a notable study has been conducted by Seungwoo Lee, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The research focuses on the potential of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and other van der Waals semiconductors to enhance the efficiency of multijunction solar cells.
Multijunction solar cells are designed to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight by stacking multiple layers of semiconductors, each tuned to absorb different wavelengths of light. Traditional multijunction solar cells face challenges due to lattice mismatch, which can limit the number of junctions and overall efficiency. However, TMDs and van der Waals semiconductors offer a solution by enabling lattice-mismatch-free stacking, allowing for the creation of more efficient multijunction solar cells.
Lee’s research develops a framework for optimizing the efficiency of these advanced solar cells. By using dynamic-programming optimization, the study shows that the efficiency of these cells can be significantly improved, especially under full concentration conditions. The research identifies a specific configuration of five junctions with bandgaps ranging from 1.0 to 2.1 eV, which is experimentally achievable and offers a practical efficiency target.
The study also addresses realistic constraints such as finite external radiative efficiency, two-sided emission, and luminescent coupling. It introduces the concept of upward-emitted luminescence power as a proxy for entropy loss, providing a practical metric for evaluating the performance of these solar cells. Additionally, the research considers excitonic absorptance and nanophotonic thickness bounds, offering practical targets for the design and optimization of transfer-printed stacks.
One of the key findings of the research is that the efficiency gains from using TMDs and van der Waals semiconductors are more pronounced in multijunction configurations rather than single-junction cells. This suggests that the practical applications of this research are likely to be found in advanced solar cell designs that incorporate multiple junctions.
The research was published in the journal Nature Communications, a reputable source for scientific research across various disciplines. This study represents a significant step forward in the development of more efficient solar cells, with potential applications in the energy sector that could contribute to the transition towards renewable energy sources.
In summary, Seungwoo Lee’s research highlights the potential of TMDs and van der Waals semiconductors to enhance the efficiency of multijunction solar cells. By addressing realistic constraints and offering practical design targets, this study provides valuable insights for the development of next-generation solar energy technologies.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.