New insights on quantum dot solar cells from solid state theory

PHYS 53

Alex Zunger, alex_zunger@nrel.gov, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd, Golden, CO 80401
Multi exciton generation from Quantum Dots : what drives it ? I will describe new results analyzing the mechanism of carrier-multiplication in PbSe QD's ,using a new generation of electronic structure calculations allowing,for the first time,quantum calculations of million-atom nanostructures fully atomistically.We find that carrier multiplication is driven by Impact Ionization,i.e by the screened electron-hole interaction.I will then describe some ideas on Intermediate Band Solar Cells based on embedding quantum dots in a wide gap barrier.See our recent 2 articles : Nanoletters Vol 6 p. 2191 andp. 2728 (2006).
 

Nanostructured Materials
1:20 PM-5:20 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 338, Oral

Division of Physical Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008