Nanostructured Solar Cells

Nanostructured Solar Cells

The Laboratory for Nanostructured Solar Cells (LaNaSC) develops nano- and micro-structures of chalcopyrite-type semiconductors (Cu(In,Ga)Se2) for application in photovoltaic energy conversion.

Research Lines:

  • Development of advanced thin-film solar cells by the implementation of micro- and nanostructures.
  • Development and application of scanning probe microscopy techniques for the characterization of solar cell materials and light-induced phenomena at the nanometer scale.
  • Development of 2D materials for optoelectronis applications.
  • Development of growth methods for chalcopyrite nanostructures i.e. quantum dots and nanowires. The goal is to combine the excellent light absorbing properties of chalcopyrite-type materials with the quantum properties of nanostructured materials, and thereby provide a pathway for the enhancement of power conversion efficiencies of photovoltaic devices beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit.

The laboratory is equipped with various materials preparation facilities consisting in a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) setup for the growth of nanostructured chalcopyrite-type semiconductors, a hybrid sputter system for Cu(In,Ga)Se2, Mo, and ZnO, and an evaporation system for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films.

The lab also operates an ultra-high vacuum scanning probe microscope, combining STM, AFM, and KPFM facilities with surface photovoltage methods to study light-induced phenomena at the nanometer scale.

We are always open for new team members. If you are interested in joining us and applying for external funding (i.e. MSCA, FCT, etc.), please contact Sascha by email at sascha.sadewasser@inl.int.

Team

Projects

SITA

Stable Inorganic TAndem solar cell with superior device efficiency and increased durability

UL-Flex-Cell

High-performance, ultra-light flexible CIGS Solar Cell

Publications