Discovery could lead to cheaper, more abundant solar cells
Abundant materials in the Earth's crust could be used to make inexpensive, nanoparticle-based solar cells, researchers at the University of Alberta have found.
"This discovery, several years in the making, is an important step forward in making solar power more accessible to parts of the world that are off the traditional electricity grid or face high power costs," said project leader Jillian Buriak.
Buriak and her team designed nanoparticles that absorb light and conduct electricity from two very common elements: phosphorus and zinc.
Both materials are more plentiful than scarce materials such as cadmium and are free from manufacturing restrictions imposed on lead-based nanoparticles.
"Half the world already lives off the grid, and with demand for electrical power expected to double by the year 2050, it is important that renewable energy sources like solar power are made more affordable by lowering the costs of manufacturing," added Buriak.
The researchers are now experimenting with the nanoparticles, spray-coating them onto large solar cells to test their efficiency.
The team has applied for a provisional patent and has secured funding to scale up manufacture.
