Journal of Nanomaterials and Devices

ABSTRACT

The escalating global energy demand, in conjunction with an impending and looming danger posed by climate change, has necessitated the relentless pursuit of viable and long-lasting sources of energy that are both sustainable and renewable in nature. Amongst the myriad of available alternatives, solar energy has emerged as a leading contender due to its vast availability and the environmentally friendly byproducts it generates. The process of harnessing solar energy revolves around the utilization of photovoltaic (PV) devices, which can directly convert sunlight into electrical energy. These devices play a pivotal role in the efficient extraction and utilization of solar energy, serving as the primary means through which this renewable resource can be effectively harnessed for various applications. The efficiency of some of the conventional PV materials currently in use, for example, silicon, is sniffing to the threshold of its theoretical limits, thereby necessitating the pursuit of novel materials possessing enhanced material properties. Amongst new materials explored for PV applications are kesterite (limited by high open-circuit voltage (Voc) deficient), perovskite (limited by instability of the organic component), and quantum dots (limited by poor efficiency), to name a few.

KEYWORDS

1. Oxychalcogenide
2. Nanophosphors
3. Optoelectronic materials
4. Rare earth metal