Enhancing Light Harvesting by Hierarchical Functionally Graded Transparent Conducting Al-doped ZnO Nano- and Mesoarchitectures
arXiv:1311.7014 · doi:10.1016/j.solmat.2014.05.035
Abstract
A functionally graded Al-doped ZnO structure is presented which combines conductivity, visible transparency and light scattering with mechanical flexibility. The nano and meso-architecture, constituted by a hierarchical, large surface area, mesoporous tree-like structure evolving in a compact layer, is synthesized at room temperature and is fully compatible with plastic substrates. Light trapping capability is demonstrated by showing up to 100% improvement of light absorption of a low bandgap polymer employed as the active layer.
21 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells