"Researchers at TU Delft (Netherlands) and the FOM (Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter) have found irrefutable proof that the so-called avalanche effect by electrons occurs in specific semiconducting crystals of nanometer dimensions. This physical effect could pave the way for cheap, high-output solar cells. Solar cells currently have relatively low output, typically 15%, and high manufacturing costs. One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semiconducting nanocrystals and could theoretically lead to a maximum output of 44%, with the added benefit of reducing manufacturing costs. In conventional solar cells, one photon can release precisely one electron. However, in some semiconducting nanocrystals, one photon can release two or three electrons, hence the term 'avalanche effect.' This effect was first measured by researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratories in 2004, and since then the scientific world had raised doubts about the value of these measurements. This current research does in fact demonstrate that the avalanche effect can occur."
Source: zhuaxia May. 27, 2008
Australian, Chinese Researchers Make Breakthrough In Renewable Energy Materials
A group of Australian and Chinese researchers have made a ground-breaking discovery which could revolutionize solar energy.
Max Lu, professor at the University of Queensland (UQ)'s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), said here Thursday they were one step closer to the holy grail of cost-effective solar energy with their discovery.
"We have grown the world's first titanium oxide single crystals with large amounts of reactive surfaces, something that was predicted as almost impossible," Lu told Xinhua.
"Titania nano-crystals are promising materials for cost-effective solar cells, hydrogen production from splitting water, and solar decontamination of pollutants," he said.
He said what his team has done was to make such materials "easy and cheap."
Talking about the application of the highly efficient miniature crystals, Lu said it wasn't just renewable energy where this research could be applied.
"They are also fantastic for purifying air and water," he said," One could paint these crystals on to a window or a wall to purify the air in a room."
"The potential of applications of this technology in water purification and recycling are huge."
Lu said it would be about five years for the water and air pollution applications to be commercially available, and about five to 10 years for solar energy conversion using such crystals.
Professor Lu also said the work was the result of very fruitful land long-term international collaboration with Professor Huiming Cheng's group from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a world-class institution with which UQ has collaborated many times in productive research.
The research findings were published in the latest edition of scientific journal Nature Thursday.
Source: 新华网 May. 29, 2008
Max Lu, professor at the University of Queensland (UQ)'s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), said here Thursday they were one step closer to the holy grail of cost-effective solar energy with their discovery.
"We have grown the world's first titanium oxide single crystals with large amounts of reactive surfaces, something that was predicted as almost impossible," Lu told Xinhua.
"Titania nano-crystals are promising materials for cost-effective solar cells, hydrogen production from splitting water, and solar decontamination of pollutants," he said.
He said what his team has done was to make such materials "easy and cheap."
Talking about the application of the highly efficient miniature crystals, Lu said it wasn't just renewable energy where this research could be applied.
"They are also fantastic for purifying air and water," he said," One could paint these crystals on to a window or a wall to purify the air in a room."
"The potential of applications of this technology in water purification and recycling are huge."
Lu said it would be about five years for the water and air pollution applications to be commercially available, and about five to 10 years for solar energy conversion using such crystals.
Professor Lu also said the work was the result of very fruitful land long-term international collaboration with Professor Huiming Cheng's group from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a world-class institution with which UQ has collaborated many times in productive research.
The research findings were published in the latest edition of scientific journal Nature Thursday.
Source: 新华网 May. 29, 2008
Sony Developed A New Type Of Low-Cost Solar Cells
Sony Corporation today announced that the company successfully developed a new non-use polysilicon of low-cost solar cells, the production cost is only Silicon batteries on the market 20 percent to 10 percent.
According to reports, new products for the dye-sensitized solar cells, the use of the photosensitive dye, does not require the use of expensive large-scale production equipment, which will greatly reduce production costs. In addition, the new products in the product improved stability, it is also to the energy conversion rate of 10 percent of the commercial application of the goal. Sony said the new product will present silicon solar cells pose a great threat.
Reported that, although Sony has not yet decided whether it will develop solar battery business, but the new technology breakthroughs will make it possible to take this opportunity to start this new business. This is because on a global scale, the next generation of solar cells on the development of a highly competitive, while Sony has already established its superiority in this field.
Source: 新华网 May. 26, 2008
According to reports, new products for the dye-sensitized solar cells, the use of the photosensitive dye, does not require the use of expensive large-scale production equipment, which will greatly reduce production costs. In addition, the new products in the product improved stability, it is also to the energy conversion rate of 10 percent of the commercial application of the goal. Sony said the new product will present silicon solar cells pose a great threat.
Reported that, although Sony has not yet decided whether it will develop solar battery business, but the new technology breakthroughs will make it possible to take this opportunity to start this new business. This is because on a global scale, the next generation of solar cells on the development of a highly competitive, while Sony has already established its superiority in this field.
Source: 新华网 May. 26, 2008
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