Solar Light Harvesting with Nanocrystalline Semiconductors

Solar Light Harvesting with Nanocrystalline Semiconductors
Author: Oleksandr Stroyuk
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 404
Release: 2017-11-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319688790

This book explains the use of nanocrystalline semiconductors in the harvesting of energy from solar light. It introduces promising methodology and technology which may help to increase the efficiency of light harvesting – one of the major challenges on the way toward sustainable energy generation.The book starts with a general introduction to the photochemistry of semiconductor nanocrystals. In the introductory chapter, the author also provides a frank and critical discussion on perspectives and limitations of the photocatalytic processes for solar light conversion including a historical account on semiconductor photocatalysis. He discusses that (and also why) it is a long way from laboratory prototypes to real sustainable technologies.The following chapters outline the conversion of solar light energy in semiconductor nanophotocatalysis on the one hand, and to (electric) energy in nanocrystalline semiconductor-based solar cells on the other hand. Topics addressed include nanophotocatalytic hydrogen production, artificial photosynthesis, quantum-dot sensitized liquid-junction and bulk heterojunction solar cells. Perspectives and opportunities, but also bottlenecks and limitations are discussed and the novel systems compared with established technology, such as classical silicon solar cells. While readers in this way learn to understand the basics and get introduced to the current research in the field, the final chapter provides them with the necessary knowledge about methodology, both in synthesis and characterization of semiconductor nanophotocatalysts and semiconductor nanomaterials, including examples for the practice of photocatalytic experiments and the studies of semiconductor-based solar cells.

Nanotechnology and Photovoltaic Devices

Nanotechnology and Photovoltaic Devices
Author: Jan Valenta
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 441
Release: 2015-06-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814463647

Silicon is an abundant element and is produced in large quantities for the electronic industry. The falling price of this commodity also feeds the growth of solar photovoltaics (PV). However, solar cells (SCs) based on bulk semiconductors have quite limited maximum attainable performance. Therefore, new principles and materials are being investigat

Light Harvesting Nanomaterials

Light Harvesting Nanomaterials
Author: Surya Prakash Singh
Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers
Total Pages: 154
Release: 2015-02-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1608059588

Mankind’s search for alternative energy sources to oil and gas reserves has been fueled by increasing energy demands and technological developments. Today, the prospect of harvesting energy from new sources is a major issue in scientific and economic discourse and will remain to be so in the future decades to come. Sunlight is known as a reliable and renewable energy source which can be utilized to meet forthcoming energy demand if it is exploited in an efficient manner. Light harvesting nanomaterials represent one way in which this can be achieved through biomimetics or artificially designed supramolecular structures. This eBook brings together facts about the underlying principles and theory about light harvesting systems. It presents interdisciplinary research work with emphasis on nanoscale objects used to harvest light. Light Harvesting Nanomaterials details a broad range of systems including solar cells which involve hybrid materials to durable tetrapyrrolic sensitizers and other nanopolymer based systems. This eBook is a valuable reference for advanced readers interested in novel technologies that utilize light energy for functional and technical benefits.

Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting

Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting
Author: Samrana Kazim
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 504
Release: 2024-06-24
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0323954952

Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting provides an up-to-date appraisal of the photon engineering of innovative catalysts for solar energy harvesting.Sunlight-driven fuel synthesis is the most sustainable and potentially economical option for producing energy vectors through water splitting. Thus this book focuses on the design of photocatalysts and water oxidation catalysts, as artificial photosynthesis and hydrogen fuel production via water oxidation (in place of fossil fuels) are two promising approaches towards renewable energy.The book critically analyzes the overall progress, potential challenges, and the possibility of industrialization of new catalysts in the near future. The primary emphasis of the discussion is on experimental approaches from materials synthesis to device applications, however, there will also be some introduction to relevant photochemistry concepts.Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting is suitable for materials scientists and chemists who through the use of photonics are in continuous pursuit of improving the efficiencies of different devices used to capture solar energy for the generation of sustainable fuel. Covers design of innovative energy materials such as photocatalysts and water oxidation catalysts for solar energy harvesting Reviews briefly computational and theoretical approaches before providing comprehensive overview of experimental directions Provides information to guide photon and photoelectrochemical engineering of catalysts for solar application

Nanostructured And Photoelectrochemical Systems For Solar Photon Conversion

Nanostructured And Photoelectrochemical Systems For Solar Photon Conversion
Author: Mary D Archer
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 781
Release: 2008-08-04
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1783261536

In this book, expert authors describe advanced solar photon conversion approaches that promise highly efficient photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical cells with sophisticated architectures on the one hand, and plastic photovoltaic coatings that are inexpensive enough to be disposable on the other. Their leitmotifs include light-induced exciton generation, junction architectures that lead to efficient exciton dissociation, and charge collection by percolation through mesoscale phases. Photocatalysis is closely related to photoelectrochemistry, and the fundamentals of both disciplines are covered in this volume./a

Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics

Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics
Author: Loucas Tsakalakos
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 458
Release: 2010-03-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1420076752

Current concerns regarding greenhouse gas-related environmental effects, energy security, and the rising costs of fossil fuel-based energy has renewed interest in solar energy in general and photovotaics in particular. Exploring state-of-the-art developments from a practical point of view, Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics examines issues in increas