ABSTRACT
Nanoscience and nanotechnology are being researched and developed to help solve problems that have prevented the use of other promising technologies, and improving efficiencies of those technologies that have been developed. The two types of solar cells reported recently are the dye-sensitized solar cell (or DSSC) and CdSe QD solar cell. These include replacing indium tin oxide (ITO), and the development of nanomaterials; low-cost, high-efficiency high-temperature crystalline silicon thin-film technologies; and high-density thin-film manufacturing technology and processes. The macro-properties of materials at the nanoscale depend on the boundary conditions and, hence, the size of the nanoparticles. Current research in the field is focused on continued improvement in the crystalline silicon cells, as well as new materials and processes. Thin films are showing promise as ribbon silicon, amorphous silicon, ternary compounds, cadmium telluride, and organic cells. The future looks bright for photovoltaic technology as these technologies continue to be developed.
