Graphene and TDMC enable multifunctional materials, first one is an efficient solar cell

Researchers from Manchester University and the National University of Singapore developed a new, efficient and sensitive solar cell made from sheets of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC). The TMDC (also a 2D material) sheets are very efficient light absorbers while the graphene is used as a transparent conductive layer.

The researchers are optimistic that more and more photoactive "heterestructures" such as the one developed now can be achieved, which will allow them to design multi-functional materials with new functionalities (for example color changing).

The researchers also envision the development of a kind of color-changing coating solar panel that can be used to cover entire buildings.

Posted: May 05,2013 by Ron Mertens