On the laboratory table: a combination of two types of nanomaterials, with different optical properties
Solar energy is the future, but technology is still far from perfect. First, photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, lose their efficiency over time, disintegrating and polluting their environment. And even modern panels do not efficiently utilize the solar energy that harms them. What is the question? How can one expand the field of solar panels, and utilize more energy from the sun?
To solve the first problem, Prof. Lioz Etgar of the Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed solar cells in a unique structure, based on the proboscite material. The unique structure of these solar cells makes it possible to wash them, remove the proboscite and assimilate a new one in its place – thus saving the need to produce a new board in its place.
We are trying to learn about the interaction between these two materials and enjoy the properties of both, with the goal of expanding the absorption spectrum of solar panels
But Probescate alone does not increase the energy conversion efficiency of the solar panel. “In our new study, which is supported by a research grant from the National Science Foundation, we are trying to pair two types of nanoparticles, both of which are semiconductors with different optical properties – our proboscite and lead sulfide,” explains Prof. Etgar.
“While Probeskate mainly absorbs electromagnetic radiation in visible light, lead sulfide excels at absorbing infrared radiation. We try to learn about the interaction between these two materials and enjoy the properties of both, with the goal of expanding the absorption spectrum of solar panels – from visible light to infrared. And thus enjoy more efficient use of solar energy. “
Prof. Etgar emphasizes that energy savings are significant even if only Probeskate is used in solar cells. “The most common cells on the market today are silicon-based,” he says. An expensive and sophisticated tip to produce proboscite cells, does not need sterile laboratory conditions and clean rooms, and all this significantly lowers costs and makes life much easier. If we can increase the efficiency of the cells by adding sulfide lead – what good. Similar in lower costs, for the manufacturer, the consumer and of course the environment. “
Another possible application for the combination of proboscite and sulfide lead is found in light-emitting devices – used by all of us on screens.
“The same principles of solar panels work on our television and computer,” explains Prof. Etgar. “From the experiments we did in the lab we can already see that lead sulfide absorbs infrared light and emits energy in the visible light range, which means that the intensity of visible light can be increased. When we look at a screen we see lots of pixels in different colors. Which provide energy leading to light emission.If we succeed in diverting the infrared spectrum to the visible spectrum, we will have to invest less energy to activate this screen.Energy saving is not only meant to lower the electricity bill, but first and foremost to preserve the environment.In addition, the proboscite “Allows us to adjust the energy they emit so that we get color sharpness that is not possible with other materials – which will also improve the image quality.”
“I run for pleasure,” says Prof. Etgar. “I routinely run about 15 km, and several times a week I run longer runs – up to half marathons. Not to compete, but net for fun. “