St. Andrews University discovery could push solar cell’s theoretical efficiency limit

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have demonstrated that atomically precise groups of nanoparticles known as nanoclusters can cut a single high energy photon into two lower energy ones, a discovery which could lead to major advancements in the development of solar cells.

Photo: University of St. Andrews

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A team of Scientists from St. Andrews University demonstrated the cutting of a high energy photon with nanoclusters in bismuth halide, a crystalline organic/inorganic material which could be used in solar cell production.

The discovery could open up a path to exceeding the theoretical efficiency limit for a single junction solar cell, which stands at 33.7%. Cutting a high energy photon into two will increase the number of charge carriers and allow more efficient use of the solar spectrum.

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“It is expected that this study will stimulate the study on materials with nanoclusters or low-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid materials for photonic devices,” says lead researcher John Irvine. “This atomic precise subunit in crystalline materials could ease the preparation and processing of nano-sized particles, as they are controlled by the intrinsic crystal structure of the material.”

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