Quantum Dots for Photovoltaic Cells with Tunable Absorption Spectrum

Leveraging its knowledge in nanoparticle synthesis and ligand modification, CAN GmbH develops optimized particles for optoelectronic devices, such as StremDots™ Series C (Figure 1) for use in solar cells. The StremDots™ Series C particles exhibit a tunable absorption edge by altering their size. This, in turn, allows their absorption spectrum to fit to the solar profile (Figure 2).

Figure 1. StremDots™ Series C nanoparticles

Figure 2. Comparison of solar radiation and absorption spectrum of StremDots™ Series C

A TEM image of StremDots™ Series C nanoparticles is depicted in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the emission spectra of StremDots™ Series C nanoparticles having a diameter range of 3-7nm.

Figure 3. TEM image of StremDots™ Series C particles

Figure 4. Emission spectra of StremDots™ Series C nanoparticles with diameters from 3 to 7 nm

Production Process

A patent pending continuous flow process enables manufacturing larger quantities of StremDots™ nanoparticles at an unprecedented low cost. Furthermore, this method ascertains a high reproducibility of all particle properties at each production volume. This, in turn, yields higher quality materials when compared to products manufactured by batch syntheses.

Applications of StremDots™ Nanoparticles

StremDots™ nanoparticles exhibit a narrow size distribution, making them suitable for producing thin films comprising defined monolayers by means of different coating methods. Different customization steps are required to apply semiconductor nanoparticles as absorber material in solar cells for optimized processability and performance. Hence, other than standard product, further customization steps are offered by CAN GmbH to improve the value of customer applications.

StremDots™ Series A nanoparticles can also be applied for photovoltaic purposes. With fluorescence and absorption in the visible, these materials are ideal for use in niche applications or facilitating quality control, for instance in film preparation. The following table provides the characteristics of StremDots™ Series A and StremDots™ Series C nanoparticles.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Strem Chemicals.

For more information on this source, please visit Strem Chemicals.