Nanostructure Coating on Silicon Wafers Increases Absorption of Visible and Infrared Light
This nanostructured coating forms an essentially black surface on crystalline silicon wafers, reducing the reflection of light off solar cells significantly to improve their efficiency. Analysts project the global market for solar panel coatings to reach $19 billion by 2026. The anti-reflective coatings segment is likely to dominate since low reflectance can boost a panel’s performance by increasing absorption capacity and light transitivity. Solar panels are known to be relatively inefficient, failing to capture the full potential of solar energy. Part of their inefficiency is due to the high reflectivity of crystalline silicon wafers, as reflected light cannot be harnessed for conversion into electricity.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an antireflective and superhydrophobic coating comprised of hierarchical silicon nanostructures. The coating would dramatically improve the efficiency of solar panels.
Application
Anti-reflective silicon nanostructured coating that greatly improves the efficiency of solar panels as well as surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensors
Advantages
- Enables solar cells to capture more light from both visible and near-IR wavelengths, increasing the amount of light energy harnessed
- Forms a superhydrophobic surface, providing solar panels that self-clean
- Absorbs nearly all visible and near-IR light, improving both photovoltaic technology and surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors
- Can be applied to existing solar panels as well as newly manufactured panels
Technology
Researchers have fabricated hierarchical nanocylinders on single-crystal silicon wafers for use in antireflection coatings, superhydrophobic surfaces, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors. This nanostructured coating is non-reflective over the range 400 nm – 1100 nm. These wavelengths include all of the visible and near-IR light that a crystalline silicon solar cell can harness, thus tremendously increasing the absorption capacity and thereby the overall efficiency of solar power generation. The coating can be applied at the time of manufacture of new panels as well as to existing solar panels.
Brochure
