38% efficiency: Innovative solar cells

Chemistry Excursion Organic solar cells with 38 percent efficiency

2024-07-23 From Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Michael Richter | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Researchers at the University of Würzburg have succeeded in producing solar cells with an efficiency of 38 percent, which is higher than that of inorganic (silicon) PV modules. The proof of efficiency was obtained through fluorescence.

The structural formulas of the four merocyanine dyes (left), which in a stacked arrangement (right) result in the new light collection system URPB.(Image: Alexander Schulz / University of Würzburg) — The structural formulas of the four merocyanine dyes (left), which in a stacked arrangement (right) result in the new light collection system URPB.
(Image: Alexander Schulz / University of Würzburg)

Researchers at the University of Würzburg, Germany, have developed a novel light collection system called URPB. URPB stands for the wavelengths of light which the four dye components of the antenna absorb: U for ultraviolet, R for red, P for purple, and B for blue. This system uses a combination of inorganic semiconductors and organic dyes to maximize the efficiency of light absorption and conversion. Tightly stacked light collecting antennas made of four different merocyanine dyes convert the solar energy here.

The system is capable of absorbing almost the entire visible light spectrum. This is achieved by a thin layer consisting of four specially arranged merocyanine dyes. This arrangement allows rapid energy transport within the system, which leads to significantly higher efficiency. Precise measurements of fluorescence have shown that the URPB system is capable of converting 38 percent of the incident light energy.

Organic dyes and inorganic semiconductors

Organic dyes, which are also used in OLEDs, are known for their excellent absorption properties. They can absorb light in a wide range of wavelengths. By cleverly combining these dyes with inorganic semiconductors, the researchers were able to develop a system that has exceptionally high efficiency in converting sunlight into electrical energy. Moreover, the URPB system is very versatile. It is capable of covering various application areas. From conventional solar power generation to special applications in optoelectronics, various scenarios are conceivable. Given the increasing demand for renewable energy sources and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, it provides a promising alternative to traditional solar cells.

The publication of the University of Würzburg can be viewed under the following link. It was submitted by Alexander Schulz, Rebecca Fröhlich, Ajay Jayachandran, Franziska Schneider, Matthias Stolte and Tobias Brixner under the direction of Prof. Dr. Frank Würthner from the Institute of Organic Chemistry. To the publication.

In summary, it is about a hetero-foldamer architecture, which consists of four different MC chromophores, was synthesized by a sequential peptide coupling protocol.

Research on the URPB system will now be continued to test the system under real conditions. The combination of the advantages of inorganic semiconductors with the benefits of organic dyes offers high efficiency in converting sunlight into electrical energy. In particular, organic chemistry still holds many interesting areas of research, which will also provide efficient solutions in the future. (mr)

The storage is expected to have 200 megawatt-hours upon completion. (Image:freely licensed)

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