Title: Self-assembly of one-dimensional nanomaterials for cost-effective photovoltaics

Authors: Zhiyong Fan, Johnny C. Ho

Addresses: Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: As the demand for sustainable energy resources has grown rapidly in recent years, enormous effort is invested on cost-effective photovoltaic technologies. Nanomaterials are one class of candidate materials being explored for next generation photovoltaics while significant progress has been obtained currently. In this review article, we summarise the recent progress in this field and identify the key issues related to nanostructured solar cells. In particular, we highlight the technology which is based on self-assembly of synthetic nanopillars for photovoltaics. These research has casted a solid ground for future exploration using nanomaterials for cost-effective solar cells.

Keywords: photovoltaics; PVs; nanopillars; NPLs; light trapping; carrier collection; low cost; flexible solar cells; solar energy; solar power; self-assembly; nanomaterials; nanotechnology; nanostructured solar cells; nanostructures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNP.2011.040507

International Journal of Nanoparticles, 2011 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.164 - 183

Published online: 13 Mar 2015 *

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