Novel nano-structures for performance enhancement of low-cost solar cells

This proposal aims at building a new research network for developing nanomaterials designed for efficient and affordable solar cells. The network includes researchers from India, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Sweden.

The nanomaterials are either fabricated or biogenic, and will be used for improving the properties of dye sensitized and thin film solar cells.

For dye/quantum dot sensitized solar cells, nano-structurally modified TiO2 photoanodes, nano-structurally modified electrolytes using nanofibres and nanofillers will be considered.

In the case of semiconductor thin-film solar cells, the development involves novel low-cost ternary and quaternary semiconductor thin films by electrodeposition and chemical methods.

One type of biogenic nanomaterial of special interest is siliceous based frustules (exoskeletons from diatoms), that with their intriguing optical properties will be investigated for both types of solar cells.

Furthermore, low-cost electrodes based on natural graphite, reduced graphene oxides and stainless steel will be studied.

The network building will include exchange visits to the other partners’ laboratories, seminars/workshops, aiming for joint research applications.

The cooperation in this project is cross-disciplinary involving physicists and chemists, the complementary character of the involved institutions is a key to the project.