Next generation nanowire solar cells

ended

Nanowire solar cells are an innovative and promising way to further reduce the cost of photovoltaic electricity for terrestrial applications. Accordingly, the ultimately goal of this project is to develop a multi-junction solar cell composed of an array of III-V nanowire subcells, electrically connected to a state-of-the-art Si solar cell. In order to do so, two different epitaxial techniques will be used to accomplish the epitaxial growth of the nanowires: standard MOVPE growth and the ground-breaking technology of Aerotaxy. Then, the nanowires will be embedded in a polymer and transferred to a Si substrate. The project will be undertaken at Lund University, a world renowned and leading research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The project includes not only the development of cutting-edge nanotechnology applied to photovoltaics, but also a comprehensive training program in transferable skills. A secondment in Sol Voltaics AB is also scheduled to assure the inter-sectoral transfer of knowledge, which in turn contributes to the establishment of a knowledge-based European economy. Therefore, the project represents in several ways a valuable opportunity to the researcher and to Lund University.