Posted in | News | Nanomaterials

Silver Nanowire Composite Films Used In Transparent Polymer Solar Cells

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have created a new type of transparent polymer solar cells (PSC) that are capable of generating electricity. These cells can be fixed onto windows. The novel technology allows people within the buildings to see outside as they are visibly transparent.

Visibly transparent polymer solar cells produced by solution processing

The researchers produced the PSCs from a photoactive plastic material that has the ability to convert infrared light into electricity. These materials are flexible, light in weight and can be manufactured at low cost and in large quantities. These cells are around 70% transparent to the human eye and do not absorb visible light. They mainly absorb infrared light.

Researchers belonging to UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), developed the PSCs by incorporating near-infrared light-sensitive polymer and silver nanowire composite films. These films were used as the top transparent electrode. The polymer is more sensitive to near-infrared light and absorbs more of it, while it is less sensitive to visible light.

In the past, opaque metal electrodes were employed as conductors. In the present study, the research team used a combination of silver nanowire and titanium dioxide nanoparticles to produce the electrode. They achieved a power-conversion efficiency of 4%. The team was able to fabricate the solar cells at reduced cost through solution processing.

UCLA professor of materials science and engineering and director of the Nano Renewable Energy Center at CNSI, Yang Yang stated that the results of the study demonstrate the potential of these PSCs to be used in smart windows, portable electronics, photovoltaics integrated in buildings, and in other applications.

The study has been published in the journal ACS Nano.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

G.P. Thomas

Written by

G.P. Thomas

Gary graduated from the University of Manchester with a first-class honours degree in Geochemistry and a Masters in Earth Sciences. After working in the Australian mining industry, Gary decided to hang up his geology boots and turn his hand to writing. When he isn't developing topical and informative content, Gary can usually be found playing his beloved guitar, or watching Aston Villa FC snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    University of California, Los Angeles. (2019, February 12). Silver Nanowire Composite Films Used In Transparent Polymer Solar Cells. AZoNano. Retrieved on December 13, 2024 from https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25287.

  • MLA

    University of California, Los Angeles. "Silver Nanowire Composite Films Used In Transparent Polymer Solar Cells". AZoNano. 13 December 2024. <https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25287>.

  • Chicago

    University of California, Los Angeles. "Silver Nanowire Composite Films Used In Transparent Polymer Solar Cells". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25287. (accessed December 13, 2024).

  • Harvard

    University of California, Los Angeles. 2019. Silver Nanowire Composite Films Used In Transparent Polymer Solar Cells. AZoNano, viewed 13 December 2024, https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25287.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

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.