Researchers in Prof. Peter Peumans’ laboratory have developed a novel technique for nanowire deposition and have used this approach to create a multi-junction architecture designed to improve solar power conversion. Typically multi-junction cells are series-connected and therefore need to be current-matched. This technology circumvents the photocurrent matching requirement with intermediate electrodes fabricated from low-cost high-performance nanowire mesh. These intermediate electrodes can be used to create multijunction cells with more than 2 terminals (called multi-terminal multi-junction or “MTMJ” cells). The MTMJ architecture could increase the power conversion efficiency of organic and other thin-film solar cells to commercially important values. MTMJ solar cell features: -does not require voltage or current matching -flexibility in cell design with electrical isolation of cells for easier wiring -higher achievable efficiencies with fewer subcells compared to series MJ cells -full use of solar spectrum -can induce light-trapping effect Technology Applications: 1) Solar cells 2) Transparent electrodes in LEDs displays and other applications
1) transparent to limit optical losses 2) conductive to limit resistive losses 3) very low-cost 4) deposition does not damage adjacent organic layers