Although silicon has been the main constituent of photovoltaic cells up to now, new-generation cells are currently in the research and development phase. These new cells are based on organic polymers with lead sulphur (PbS) nanoparticle inclusions. These nanoparticles absorb radiation in the near-IR range, which increases the photoconversion efficiency of the cell.
Classic synthesis procedures for PbS nanoparticles use solvents or other highly toxic reagents. Paul O’Brien’s team at the University of Manchester has looked at a new, ‘greener’ synthesis method: the new solvent in this process is olive oil…and it works! That is what can be seen from the characterisation of the particles obtained, conducted mainly on the TEMPO beamline.
Reference:
Akhtar, J., Malik, A., O'Brien, P., Wijayantha, K. G. U., Dharmadasa, R., Hardman, S. J. O., Graham, D. M., Spencer, B. F., Stubbs, S. K., Flavell, W. R., Binks, D. J., Sirotti, F., El Kazzi, M., & Silly, M. G.
A greener route to photoelectrochemically active PbS nanoparticles.
Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2010, 20(12): 2336-2344
