Nanoscience and its Applications

1

Nanomaterials: Solar Energy Conversion

L.G. Paterno    Institute of Chemistry, Darcy Ribeiro Campus, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil

Abstract

The conversion of solar energy into electricity is one of the most promising ways to produce clean energy from a renewable source and is an alternative solution to meet the growing global energy demand. The conversion process is performed by devices known as solar cells. Third-generation solar cells, the development of which began in the 1990s, today have efficiencies very close to those of conventional solar cells and are very attractive because of their low production cost and the innovative feature of employing nanomaterials and nanotechnology concepts in their operation. Organic solar cells ...