Nanopillars

An array of nanoscale pillars ("nanograss") structure could make organic solar cells more efficient by capturing light (Image: UMass Amherst)

Science

"Nanograss" boosts the efficiency of organic solar cells

A long sought-after "nanograss" structure promises to significantly boost the efficiency of organic solar cells by capturing light more efficiently while also allowing the use of cheaper, lower-grade materials.

Chemist Ali Javey, who led development of the tapered nanopillars (Photo: Berkeley Lab)

Science

Nanopillar semiconductors shape up for better, cheaper solar cells

Solar cells could become more efficient and less expensive, thanks to the development of tapered nanopillar semiconductors that are narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.

A forest of nanopillars are grown on aluminum foil to produce an inexpensive and efficient 3-D solar cell

Environment

Nanotechnology breakthrough promises cheaper, more efficient solar cells

Berkeley researchers have developed a means of growing 3-D solar cells at a nano level that are cheap and efficient.