In a world where switching to greener energy is becoming urgent, new technologies in the renewable energy sector are increasingly in the spotlight. Recently, a team of researchers from theComplutense University of Madrid made an incredible discovery: they designed the first intermediate band (IB) solar cell using phosphide of gallium a you titanium. This innovation could well change the way we approach solar energy and open the door to much more efficient energy solutions.
Figures that make you dream!
Spanish researchers have developed a solar cell that could achieve energy efficiency of 60 %which is downright impressive! This figure far exceeds what conventional solar cells can do. Indeed, this new technology is starting to show its full potential with wavelengths from 550 nmwhich could well transform the way we use the sun.
To give you an idea, the silicon solar cells that are mostly used today only capture a small part of the sunlight. The rest often turns into useless heat, limiting their theoretical efficiency according to the famous limit of Shockley-Queisser (SQ) approximately 33,7 % for a bandgap of 1,3 eV. With gallium phosphide and titanium, we could therefore reach an enormous milestone!
The use of phosphure de gallium (GaP) a you titanium (Ti) is at the heart of this technological advancement. With a bandgap measured at 2,26 eVthese materials offer much greater efficiency than traditional silicon. Researchers have manufactured a solar cell1 cm²with a GaP:Ti absorber with a precise thickness of 50 nm. To further refine their device, they chose metallic contacts in gold and germanium.
The results obtained are promising: in-depth measurements showed a broad band due to improved light absorption beyond 550 nm. This improvement seems to be linked to the addition of titanium in the cellular structure.
Fifteen years of paid efforts
The project started from 2009i.e. fifteen years dedicated to exploring and innovating with these particular materials. Over time, researchers were able to overcome various obstacles to finally create their first functional devices. However, even with this impressive progress, much remains to be done to improve current practical effectiveness.
-The next steps? Work on a functional prototype showing even better efficiency. They are also exploring different ways of incorporating titanium to further optimize their solar cells.
A commercial future full of promise
Although seeing this technology everywhere may take a little more time, it will no longer be limited by what conventional solar cells can theoretically do. The recent publication in “Materials Today Sustainability” highlights not only the scientific importance but also the enormous commercial potential of this discovery.
This breakthrough therefore opens an exciting new chapter in our global quest to make the most of the sun while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. As we move towards a sustainable future, it is important that innovations like this are supported and developed so that they can be applied effectively in the global market.
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