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Solar thermal magazine Can Quantum Mechanics Make High Efficiency Solar Cells A Reality?

Solar thermal magazine Can Quantum Mechanics Make High Efficiency Solar Cells A Reality?

Solar thermal magazine Can Quantum Mechanics Make High Efficiency Solar Cells A Reality?Red Bank, New Jersey — July 30, 2013).

The research program of Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; NTCXF.PK) being conducted under a joint research agreement with Rice University has accomplished extremely significant steps toward realization of a manufacturable quantum dot solar cell.

The work is being supervised by Prof. Andrew Barron, a Natcore co-founder.

Three key requirements must be met to make a quantum dot solar cell:

1. Create quantum dots of the proper size;

2. Create a uniform layer of those same quantum dots embedded in a thin film of silicon dioxide; and

3. Arrange the quantum dots such that the average inter-dot distance between any two of them is less than 10nm.

The scientists have successfully met all three requirements. The researchers successfully embedded 20nm-diameter germanium quantum dots (Ge QDs) inside smooth, round shells of silica (silicon dioxide); dispersed the coated quantum dots on a surface with a simple spraying technique; and coated the layer with a film of silicon dioxide using Natcore’s liquid phase deposition (LPD) process. The coated quantum dots are represented by the chemical symbol Ge@SiO2.

Scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscope analysis of the films, coupled with a measurement of the photocurrent generated when the film was exposed to a light source, showed that very nearly 70% of the Ge@SiO2 quantum dots were within the 10nm maximum separation between nearest neighbors that is needed for high efficiency device operation. The resulting samples were one square centimeter in size.

With an applied voltage across the film thickness and illuminated by a laboratory white light operating at approximately one sun intensity, the film produced a current of over 6 milliamps. The 6ma current represents a threefold increase over the first attempts to make a QD layer device, as reported by Natcore in an earlier news release.

“We’ve been working towards this for a long time,” says Dr. Dennis Flood, Natcore’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer.

It paves the way to a tandem solar cell using quantum dot material. We’re preparing a provisional patent application.

Chuck Provini, Natcore’s president and CEO, says

This is a remarkable improvement in photo-generated current in the silica film. Prof. Barron’s group has done an excellent job moving this from scientific research through proof of concept. Now the researchers at our Rochester R&D Center will focus on developing a working prototype.

# # # # #

Statements herein other than purely historical factual information, including statements relating to revenues or profits, or Natcore’s future plans and objectives, or expected sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in Natcore’s business, including risks inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein.

Solar thermal magazine Can Quantum Mechanics Make High Efficiency Solar Cells A Reality? About Gordon Smith
Gordon is an expert in the area of industrial energy efficiency and alternative energy. He is electrical engineer with a Masters degree in Alternative Energy technology. He is the co-founder of several renewable energy media sites including Solar Thermal Magazine.

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Solar thermal magazine Can Quantum Mechanics Make High Efficiency Solar Cells A Reality?

Tags: high efficiency, home energy costs, quantum dot, quantum dots, solar cell

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