Atomic-scale engineering for higher efficiency solar cells

Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity, and in our work, we are always aiming to produce the highest energy conversion efficiency at the lowest cost. The efficiency potential of a single junction solar cell is governed by the material properties of the absorbing material(s). However, the efficiency of the devices themselves that use these cells is significantly lower due to certain non-optimal optical and electronic properties of the device.

In working to minimise these properties, our research focuses on the application and optimisation of thin films in a wide range of solar cells in order to minimise optical and electronic losses in power. The best results can be achieved when the cell composition of thin films can be controlled with atomic layer precision, and this can be achieved by atomic layer deposition in our labs. You can find more information about our work on the UNSW Hoex Group website.