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| Open AccessHydrogenated Cs2AgBiBr6 for significantly improved efficiency of lead-free inorganic double perovskite solar cell
Though inorganic perovskites are an attractive, non-toxic and stable alternative to organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells, realizing efficient devices remains a challenge. Here, the authors report hydrogenated lead-free inorganic perovskite solar cells with enhanced power conversion efficiency.
- Zeyu Zhang
- , Qingde Sun
- & Manling Sui
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Article
| Open AccessAsymmetric electron acceptor enables highly luminescent organic solar cells with certified efficiency over 18%
High-performance organic solar cells call for novel designs of acceptor molecules. Here, He et al. design and synthesize a non-fullerene acceptor with an asymmetric structure for diverse donor:acceptor interfacial conformations and report a certificated power conversion efficiency of 18.2%.
- Chengliang He
- , Zeng Chen
- & Hongzheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessMapping the energy level alignment at donor/acceptor interfaces in non-fullerene organic solar cells
Energy level alignment (ELA) at donor-acceptor heterojunctions is of vital importance yet largely undetermined in organic solar cells. Here, authors determine the heterojunction ELA with (mono) layer-by-layer precision to understand the co-existence of efficient charge.
- Xian’e Li
- , Qilun Zhang
- & Mats Fahlman
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-specific-power flexible transition metal dichalcogenide solar cells
Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) hold promise for next-generation lightweight photovoltaics. Here, the authors demonstrate the first flexible high power-per-weight TMD solar cells with notably improved power conversion efficiency.
- Koosha Nassiri Nazif
- , Alwin Daus
- & Krishna C. Saraswat
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Article
| Open AccessPhase segregation in mixed-halide perovskites affects charge-carrier dynamics while preserving mobility
Phase segregation in mixed halide perovskite is known to alter the optoelectronic properties, but how it affects charge carriers is not clear. Here, the authors use THz spectroscopy to reveal that high carrier mobilities are well preserved, while recombination dynamics is affected by charge funnelling upon segregation.
- Silvia G. Motti
- , Jay B. Patel
- & Laura M. Herz
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Article
| Open AccessTuning structural isomers of phenylenediammonium to afford efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and modules
Salt passivation of perovskite often results in formation of 2D perovskite layers, which impaired charge transport behaviour. Here, the authors study the energy barrier of 2D perovskite formation upon passivation by different iodide salt, and provide insight how to manipulate this to maximise device performance.
- Cheng Liu
- , Yi Yang
- & Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
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Article
| Open AccessIdentification of lead vacancy defects in lead halide perovskites
Point defects compromise the electronic performance of hybrid perovskites, yet no experimental identifications have been reported. Here, the authors, for the first time, identify lead monovacancy defect in MAPbI3 using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy with the aid of density functional theory.
- David J. Keeble
- , Julia Wiktor
- & Werner Egger
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale imaging of CH3NH3PbI3 structure and its decomposition pathway
The knowledge of atomic structure and structural instability of hybrid perovskites is crucial to understand their photoelectric properties and failure mechanism. Here, the authors utilise low-dose TEM imaging technique to investigate the atomic structure and decomposition pathway of MAPbI3 at the atomic scale.
- Shulin Chen
- , Changwei Wu
- & Peng Gao
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Article
| Open AccessPolymerized small molecular acceptor based all-polymer solar cells with an efficiency of 16.16% via tuning polymer blend morphology by molecular design
Through development of non-fullerene acceptors, OPVs have reached efficiencies of 18%, yet the inadequate operational lifetime still poses a challenge for the commercialisation. Here, the authors investigate the origin of instability of NFA solar cells, and propose some strategies to mitigate this issue.
- Jiaqi Du
- , Ke Hu
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessUnveiling structure-performance relationships from multi-scales in non-fullerene organic photovoltaics
Understanding correlations between molecular structures and macroscopic properties is critical in realising highly efficient organic photovoltaics. Here, the authors conduct a comprehensive study based on four non-fullerene acceptors revealing how the extended conjugation, asymmetric terminals and alkyl chain length can affect device performance.
- Shuixing Li
- , Lingling Zhan
- & Hongzheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessA universal Urbach rule for disordered organic semiconductors
The sub-gap absorption coefficient in organic semiconductors is often characterized by Urbach energies, which quantify both structural and dynamic disorders, yet the fundamental is not well-understood. Here, the authors provide a strategy to determine excitonic disorder energy, and reveal that absorption at energies well below the gap is universally dominated by thermal broadening.
- Christina Kaiser
- , Oskar J. Sandberg
- & Ardalan Armin
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Article
| Open AccessFull-frame and high-contrast smart windows from halide-exchanged perovskites
Window glazing plays a crucial role in modulating indoor light and heat transmission, which is beneficial for energy saving. Here, Liu et al. report a full-frame and high-contrast smart windows made of perovskite photovoltaic and ion-gel electrochromic components to realise self-adjusting brightness and temperature regulator.
- You Liu
- , Jungan Wang
- & Tianshi Qin
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Article
| Open AccessAre Shockley-Read-Hall and ABC models valid for lead halide perovskites?
Charge dynamics in perovskite is not well-understood, limited by the knowledge of defect physics and charge recombination mechanism, yet the ABC and SRH models are widely used. Here, the authors introduce advanced PLQY mapping as function of excitation pulse energy and repetition frequency to examine the validity of these models.
- Alexander Kiligaridis
- , Pavel A. Frantsuzov
- & Ivan G. Scheblykin
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Article
| Open AccessRevealing composition and structure dependent deep-level defect in antimony trisulfide photovoltaics
Antimony trisulfide emerges as a suitable candidate for light-harvesting due to its good stability and abundance, yet the defect properties are not well-understood. Here, by means of deep-level transient spectroscopy, Lian et al. find that there are three kinds of deep-level defects depending on the chemical composition.
- Weitao Lian
- , Chenhui Jiang
- & Tao Chen
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Article
| Open AccessNovel symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSSe thin film solar cells for indoor photovoltaic applications
Indoor lighting is weak and multi-directional, thus the requirement for photovoltaic differs from that designed for outdoor. To efficiently harvest the indoor energy, the authors designed CZTSSe bifacial solar cells on flexible Mo substrate using double-sided deposition to ensure consistency and to save cost.
- Hui Deng
- , Quanzhen Sun
- & Shuying Cheng
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Article
| Open AccessA molecular photosensitizer achieves a Voc of 1.24 V enabling highly efficient and stable dye-sensitized solar cells with copper(II/I)-based electrolyte
Designing photo-sensitisers with high open-circuit voltage (Voc) is desirable to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of co-sensitized solar cells. Here, the authors employ a judiciously tailored organic sensitiser MS5 with copper electrolyte to achieve a Voc of 1.24 V, and recorded PCE of 34.5% under ambient light.
- Dan Zhang
- , Marko Stojanovic
- & Michael Grätzel
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Article
| Open AccessHow antisolvent miscibility affects perovskite film wrinkling and photovoltaic properties
Perovskite morphology dictates carriers’ behaviors and defect states, and thus the ultimate performance of the material. Here, the authors investigate micro-wrinkle formation in film by varying composition and deposition condition, and further implement the optimized structure for solar cells, achieving 23% efficiency.
- Seul-Gi Kim
- , Jeong-Hyeon Kim
- & Nam-Gyu Park
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Article
| Open AccessPseudo-bilayer architecture enables high-performance organic solar cells with enhanced exciton diffusion length
The so-called pseudo-bilayer (PB) organic solar cell (OSC) device architecture can promote enhanced exciton dissociation and charge transport, leading to improved device performance. Here, the authors report high-efficiency OSCs that features a PB architecture and optimized ternary system.
- Kui Jiang
- , Jie Zhang
- & Alex K.-Y. Jen
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Article
| Open AccessFlexible and efficient perovskite quantum dot solar cells via hybrid interfacial architecture
Perovskite quantum dots film has better mechanical stability and structural integrity compared to bulk thin film. Here, the authors demonstrate higher endurance of quantum dot films and develop hybrid CsPbI3 QD/PCBM device with PCE of 15.1% and 12.3% on rigid and flexible substrates, respectively.
- Long Hu
- , Qian Zhao
- & Tom Wu
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Article
| Open AccessHigh performance tandem organic solar cells via a strongly infrared-absorbing narrow bandgap acceptor
Development of tandem organic solar cells has been limited by the choice of near-infrared absorbing materials for the rear cell. Here, the authors report a simple strategy to extend the conjugation length of acceptor Y6 and broaden its absorption range to near-infrared region. A tandem organic solar cell with efficiency of 16.4% was achieved.
- Zhenrong Jia
- , Shucheng Qin
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessMethylamine-assisted growth of uniaxial-oriented perovskite thin films with millimeter-sized grains
Suppressing grain boundaries and defects in perovskite solar cells remains a quest to address the efficiency and stability issues. Here, the authors use methylamine gas for assisting the growth of uniaxial-oriented perovskite thin films with millimeter-sized grains.
- Haochen Fan
- , Fengzhu Li
- & YanLin Song
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Article
| Open AccessUniversal and versatile morphology engineering via hot fluorous solvent soaking for organic bulk heterojunction
Morphology control of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells has been a challenge for realising optimal photovoltaic performance. Here, the authors utilise amphiphobic nature and temperature-dependent miscibility of fluorous solvent to promote molecular reorganisation and morphological optimisation.
- Tong Shan
- , Yi Zhang
- & Hongliang Zhong
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Article
| Open AccessCharge-generating mid-gap trap states define the thermodynamic limit of organic photovoltaic devices
The inability to accurately measure the charge-generating energy states in organic solar cells makes elucidating the photovoltaic effect in these devices difficult. Here, the authors report charge-generating mid-gap trap states in organic solar cells via ultra-sensitive photovoltaic measurements.
- Nasim Zarrabi
- , Oskar J. Sandberg
- & Ardalan Armin
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient energy transfer mitigates parasitic light absorption in molecular charge-extraction layers for perovskite solar cells
The performance of perovskite solar cells can be limited by light absorption loss in organic charge extraction layers, through which sun light must propagate before reaching the perovskite. Here, the authors demonstrate that efficient energy transfer to the perovskite layer from a thin organic layer is able to eliminate this parasitic loss.
- Hannah J. Eggimann
- , Jay B. Patel
- & Laura M. Herz
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Article
| Open Access16.8% Monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells via a universal two-step solution process
Integrating several different perovskite absorber layers in a multi-junction solar cell imposes a great processing challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate a versatile two-step solution process for fabricating monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells.
- Junke Wang
- , Valerio Zardetto
- & René A. J. Janssen
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Article
| Open AccessLong-range exciton diffusion in molecular non-fullerene acceptors
The short-range diffusion length of organic semiconductors severely limits exciton harvesting and charge generation in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells. Here, the authors report exciton diffusion length in the range of 20 to 47 nm for a wide range of non-fullerene acceptors molecules.
- Yuliar Firdaus
- , Vincent M. Le Corre
- & Thomas D. Anthopoulos
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Article
| Open AccessRoll-to-roll gravure-printed flexible perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly antisolvent bathing with wide processing window
Driven by recent improvement in efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, the next step toward commercialisation is upscaling. Here, the authors demonstrate pilot-scale fully roll-to-roll manufacturing of flexible perovskite solar cells through gravure-printing and antisolvent bathing.
- Young Yun Kim
- , Tae-Youl Yang
- & Jangwon Seo
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Article
| Open AccessOrthogonal colloidal quantum dot inks enable efficient multilayer optoelectronic devices
The realisation of film made up of different compositions using colloidal QD inks remains a challenge because of redispersing of underlying films by polar solvents. Here, the authors introduce aromatic ligands to achieve QD inks in weakly-polar solvents that enable fabrication of multi-compositional films.
- Seungjin Lee
- , Min-Jae Choi
- & Edward H. Sargent
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Article
| Open AccessRandom terpolymer based on thiophene-thiazolothiazole unit enabling efficient non-fullerene organic solar cells
The batch reproducibility of polymer donor materials limits the performance of polymer solar cells. Here Wu et al. develop a polymer donor PM1 by random terpolymerization strategy with a high efficiency of 17.6% in the device and excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility.
- Jingnan Wu
- , Guangwei Li
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessMicroscopic origins of performance losses in highly efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells
Achieving higher efficiencies for thin-film solar cells always requires identification of the limiting factors. Here Krause et al. show that inhomogeneously distributed net doping or lifetime have little impact while recombination at grain boundaries is one of the main loss mechanisms for high performance Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.
- Maximilian Krause
- , Aleksandra Nikolaeva
- & Daniel Abou-Ras
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Article
| Open AccessTemplated growth of oriented layered hybrid perovskites on 3D-like perovskites
The orientation of layered perovskites plays a crucial role in their charge transport behavior and hence, the efficiency of related solar cells. Here, the authors find that preformed 3D-like perovskites can efficiently template the growth of layered perovskites and determine their orientation.
- Jifei Wang
- , Shiqiang Luo
- & Yongbo Yuan
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient lateral-structure perovskite single crystal solar cells with high operational stability
Lateral-structured perovskite solar cells are easily integratable for large modules but suffer from less impressive efficiency compared to the sandwich-structured counterparts. Here Song et al. demonstrate stable and 11% efficiency devices under 1 Sun illumination by anode contact treatment.
- Yilong Song
- , Weihui Bi
- & Qingfeng Dong
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient all-inorganic perovskite solar cells with suppressed non-radiative recombination by a Lewis base
There has been a hot competition to optimize the device performance for all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. Here Wang et al. employ a Lewis base molecule to suppresses the non-radiative recombination in the inverted device and achieve a champion efficiency of 16.1%.
- Jing Wang
- , Jie Zhang
- & Alex K. Y. Jen
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Article
| Open AccessRoom-temperature direct synthesis of semi-conductive PbS nanocrystal inks for optoelectronic applications
Providing large-scale iodide capped semi-conductive PbS nanocrystals inks preparation for high-throughput manufacturing remains a challenge. Here, the authors propose a direct one step and scalable synthesis method enabling cost reduction and promoting its commercial viability for solar cells.
- Yongjie Wang
- , Zeke Liu
- & Wanli Ma
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Article
| Open AccessReconfiguration of interfacial energy band structure for high-performance inverted structure perovskite solar cells
Charged surface defects are expected to undermine the charge extraction in organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells. Here Zhang et al. design ionic fullerene derivatives to not only passivate the charged defects, but also optimize the interfacial energy due to aligned orientation of the fullerenes.
- Moyao Zhang
- , Qi Chen
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessDirect evidence for grain boundary passivation in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells through alkali-fluoride post-deposition treatments
Grain boundaries play critical roles in determining the properties and performance of solar cells based on polycrystalline materials. Here Nicoara et al. showcase that proper treatments passivate defects at grain boundaries by forming secondary material phases with the CIGSe absorbers and lead to higher Voc.
- Nicoleta Nicoara
- , Roby Manaligod
- & Sascha Sadewasser
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Article
| Open AccessGallium arsenide solar cells grown at rates exceeding 300 µm h−1 by hydride vapor phase epitaxy
Gallium arsenide holds record efficiency for single junction solar cells, but high production costs limit applications. Here Metaferia et al. show high quality GaAs and GaInP at rates exceeding 300 and 200 micrometers per hour by dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy and > 25% efficient solar cells.
- Wondwosen Metaferia
- , Kevin L. Schulte
- & Aaron J. Ptak
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Article
| Open AccessNoncovalently fused-ring electron acceptors with near-infrared absorption for high-performance organic solar cells
Recently, the non-fullerene acceptors with fused rings enable high-efficiency organic solar cells but they are not ideal in terms of synthetic cost and yield. Here, Huang et al. report ‘less fused’ acceptors with non-covalent S⋅⋅⋅O interactions and solar cell efficiency of up to 13%.
- Hao Huang
- , Qingxin Guo
- & Zhishan Bo
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Article
| Open AccessFlexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells with over 10% efficiency and methods of enlarging the cell area
Flexibility and homogeneity are preferred properties for the kesterite solar modules to compete with silicon counterparts. Here, Yang et al. achieve these properties by designing a thin and multi-layered precursor structure and at the same time increase the open circuit voltage and device efficiency.
- Kee-Jeong Yang
- , Sammi Kim
- & Jin-Kyu Kang
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Article
| Open AccessGraphite-protected CsPbBr3 perovskite photoanodes functionalised with water oxidation catalyst for oxygen evolution in water
While photoelectrochemical cells may offer access to solar fuels from a single integrated device, halide perovskite photoelectrodes are difficult to use due to their inherent moisture sensitivity. Here, the authors protect perovskite photoanodes with graphite sheets to boost their stability in water.
- Isabella Poli
- , Ulrich Hintermair
- & Petra J. Cameron
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Article
| Open AccessDynamic emission Stokes shift and liquid-like dielectric solvation of band edge carriers in lead-halide perovskites
Lead halide perovskites have unique electronic properties that depend on the crystal’s anharmonicity. Dielectric solvation theories, developed for molecules dissolved in polar liquids, are shown here to reproduce the temperature behavior of carrier solvation in the electronic spectra, implying strongly anharmonic lattice dynamics.
- Yinsheng Guo
- , Omer Yaffe
- & Louis E. Brus
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Article
| Open AccessA chemically inert bismuth interlayer enhances long-term stability of inverted perovskite solar cells
Long term stability is a major barrier for the commercialization of halide perovskite solar cells. Here Wu et al. demonstrate that a chemically inert and structural impermeability bismuth electrode interlayer greatly increases the stability of unencapsulated perovskite solar cells under harsh conditions.
- Shaohang Wu
- , Rui Chen
- & Wei Chen
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Correspondence
| Open AccessThermal artefacts in two-photon solar cell experiments
- Chris C. Phillips
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Article
| Open AccessStrain engineering in perovskite solar cells and its impacts on carrier dynamics
The residual strains in the mixed halide perovskite thin films and their effects on the solar cell devices are less understood. Here Zhu et al. study the impact of the gradient in-plane strain on the carrier dynamics of the strained perovskite films and optimize the device efficiency.
- Cheng Zhu
- , Xiuxiu Niu
- & Qi Chen
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Article
| Open AccessPerovskite-polymer composite cross-linker approach for highly-stable and efficient perovskite solar cells
Defective grain boundaries of polycrystalline perovskite films are one of the major causes of the instability of the solar cell devices. Here Han et al. choose a polymer with proper molecular structure to crosslink the perovskite grains to greatly improve the device stability.
- Tae-Hee Han
- , Jin-Wook Lee
- & Yang Yang
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Article
| Open Access9.2%-efficient core-shell structured antimony selenide nanorod array solar cells
Antimony selenide is a promising thin film solar cell absorber material in which grain orientation is crucial for high device performance. Here Li et al. grow the material in nanorod arrays along the [001] direction and obtain record high efficiency of 9.2%.
- Zhiqiang Li
- , Xiaoyang Liang
- & Yaohua Mai
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Comment
| Open AccessScaling of next generation solution processed organic and perovskite solar cells
- Paul Meredith
- & Ardalan Armin
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Article
| Open AccessManagement of transition dipoles in organic hole-transporting materials under solar irradiation for perovskite solar cells
In perovskite solar cells, the excited state property of hole-transport layer is not usually considered for the devices. Here the authors design organic hole-transport materials with high transition dipoles having extended lifetime at the excited states to improve the charge extraction of the devices.
- Song Ah Ok
- , Bonghyun Jo
- & Hui Joon Park
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Article
| Open AccessMultibandgap quantum dot ensembles for solar-matched infrared energy harvesting
Efficient harvest of solar energy beyond the silicon absorption edge of 1100 nm by semiconductor solar cells remains a challenge. Here Sun et al. mix high multi-bandgap lead sulfide colloidal quantum dot ensembles to further increase both short circuit current and open circuit voltage.
- Bin Sun
- , Olivier Ouellette
- & Edward H. Sargent