Quantum Dot Solar Cells

The SprayLD system developed by University of Toronto researchers is capable of blasting colloidal quantum dots onto films and plastic, a new method for spraying solar cells onto flexible surfaces. This could one day see them coat anything from bicycle helmets to outdoor furniture.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have manufactured and tested a new type of colloidal quantum dots (CQD), that could lead to much cheaper, spray-on solar cells, as well as better LEDs, lasers and weather satellites.

Scientists are developing hybrid materials that are a cross between living bacterial cells and non-living components such as gold nanoparticles. The resulting "living materials" are able to respond to their environment like regular living cells, while also doing things like conducting electricity.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have set a new efficiency record of 6 percent for colloidal quantum dot solar cells.

Stanford researchers have found that adding a single layer of organic molecules can increase three-fold the efficiency of quantum dot solar cells, which are cheaper to produce than traditional solar cells.

Research teams have announced that the use of nickel and selenium in the production of solar cells could make them less expensive and more efficient.

Researchers from University of Minnesota have shown how heat energy currently lost from semiconductors can be captured in electric circuits doubling solar cell efficiency.