Nanocone-Based Solar Cell Platform to Enhance Light to Energy Conversion Efficiency
An Oak Ridge National Laboratory team led by Jun Xu has enhanced the light-to-energy conversion efficiency of PV by almost 80% with a three-dimensional nanocone-based solar cell system.
The technology helps enhance transport of charges produced by solar photons. The negative electrons and positive holes are constrained by flaws in volume materials and their interfaces, disrupting performance.
Xu, a member of the Chemical Sciences Division at the lab,says that the trapping lowers efficiency of the solar cells. It was to address this problem that the team designed a nanocone-based solar cell and techniques to synthesize these cells for enhanced charge collection.
The design comprises n-type nanocones enclosed by a p-type semiconductor. The zinc oxide nanoncones act as the interface and electron conductor. The p-type polycrystalline cadmium telluride matrix acts as a photon absorber and also as a hole conductor. The team derived a light-to-energy conversion efficiency in laboratory trials of 3.2%. The three dimensional design delivers an electric field that enables charge transport and conversion of sunlight into energy. The material helps reduce flaws and gaps in semiconductors that enhance electric and optical traits of solar photons. Due to the proficient charge transport, the new solar cell can endure faulty materials and lessen cost in manufacturing advanced solar cells.
The research project was funded by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program and the Department of Energy's Office of Nonproliferation Research and Engineering.
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
APA
Chai, Cameron. (2019, February 12). Nanocone-Based Solar Cell Platform to Enhance Light to Energy Conversion Efficiency. AZoNano. Retrieved on February 05, 2026 from https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=22417.
MLA
Chai, Cameron. "Nanocone-Based Solar Cell Platform to Enhance Light to Energy Conversion Efficiency". AZoNano. 05 February 2026. <https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=22417>.
Chicago
Chai, Cameron. "Nanocone-Based Solar Cell Platform to Enhance Light to Energy Conversion Efficiency". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=22417. (accessed February 05, 2026).
Harvard
Chai, Cameron. 2019. Nanocone-Based Solar Cell Platform to Enhance Light to Energy Conversion Efficiency. AZoNano, viewed 05 February 2026, https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=22417.
We're committed to providing free access to quality science. By registering and providing insight into
your preferences you're joining a community of over 1m science interested individuals and help us to
provide you with insightful content whilst keeping our service free.
or
Terms
While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena
answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses.
Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or
authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for
medical information you must always consult a medical
professional before acting on any information provided.
Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with
OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their
privacy principles.
Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential
information.
Read the full Terms & Conditions.