Quantum Dots Lead to Better Solar Cells
The addition to quantum dots to solar cells could lead to a tripling in efficiency, boosting from the usual 10% up to 40% or 60% (with concentrators). Silicon nanocrystals (quantum dots) are able to extract two or three electrons for each incoming photon, an unprecedented feat. Although solar is often hailed as a great, environmentally friendly energy source, it has a ways to go before being able to compete with fossil fuels – but efforts like this could make the difference.
Posted August 22nd, 2007 in Energy.
Yes, becasue only they have the ability to convert each photon to more than one electron, and their band gap is tiny
February 21st, 2008 at 8:29 am