Just as quantum dots (QD) are being introduced into the production of LED backlight units, to enhance performance and production costs of thin-film transistor (TFT) flat-panel displays, these nano-sized semiconductors are proving their potential in photovoltaics (PV).
Recently a team of researchers in Israel, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, demonstrated solar cells by doping indium arsenide QDs. QDs can be deposited in solutions such as inks on plastic, by printing or coating methods.
Scientists at the US Department of Energy's (DoE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have paired QDs with carbon-based fullerene nanoparticles that convert light to electricity in a very precise and highly controlled way. Potential applications include enhancing conversion efficiencies of solar cells, or tiny power-generators for molecular electronics.
Nanoco, a QD producer in the UK, is working with partners in Asia's flat-panel display, LED and PV industries. CEO Michael Edelman observes numerous opportunities emerging for QDs in PV manufacture, particularly in enhancing the power conversion efficiencies of solar cells. This will become especially important as producers try to reduce the cost per watt of PV electricity generation with greater intensity.
Agreements
Nanoco has a joint development agreement with Tokyo Electron, a large production equipment supplier for the PV and display industries, and is developing a nanomaterial film for PV applications compatible with Tokyo Electron's PV manufacturing equipment. Tokyo Electron entered the PV industry in 2008 with the intention to make processing equipment for thin-film solar one of its main markets, along with flat-panel display manufacturing and semiconductor processing.
Last year QD Soleil, a subsidiary of QD company Nanosys, brokered an alliance with Samsung Electronics, enabling the South Korean company to exploit QD Soleil's nanotechnology patents in PV applications.
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Nanoco
The UK quantum dot producer, is working with a series of partners in displays and photovoltaics
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Brookhaven National Laboratory
The Department of Energy lab has worked on quantum dots and nanoparticles for solar cells
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Nanomaterials underpin ITO alternatives coming to market
Recent months have seen unprecedented commercial progress by nanomaterial products developed as alternatives to transparent conductive oxide materials such as indium tin oxide
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Nanomaterials become technologies of choice for high-volume printed electronics
US nanomaterials company QD Vision has taken a further step towards commercially supplying its materials, with two development agreements sealed at the end of 2010
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The Future of Flexible and Thin-Film PVs
Technology forecasts to 2019, published by IntertechPira
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