An efficient descriptor model for designing materials for solar cells

An efficient descriptor model for fast screening of potential materials for solar cell applications is presented. It works for both excitonic and non-excitonic solar cells materials, and in addition to the energy gap it includes the absorption spectrum ( α ( E )) of the material. The charge transport properties of the explored materials are modelled using the characteristic diffusion length ( L d ) determined for the respective family of compounds. The presented model surpasses the widely used Scharber model developed for bulk heterojunction solar cells. Using published experimental data, we show that the presented model is more accurate in predicting the achievable efficiencies. To model both excitonic and non-excitonic systems, two different sets of parameters are used to account for the different modes of operation. The analysis of the presented descriptor model clearly shows the benefit of including α ( E ) and L d in view of improved screening results. Solar cells: modeling improved efficency Qatar scientists have designed a more accurate model for screening potential materials for use in solar cells. Fahhad Alharbi and colleagues at Hamad Bin Khalifa University sought to improve the accuracy of screening for next-generation solar cell materials by developing a computational model that includes information such as the material's absorption spectrum, which is omitted from the standard model. Tests against published experimental data showed that the new model can predict a material's efficiency—the proportion of solar energy it converts into useable energy—more precisely than the standard model. The new model has been modified to suit both excitonic solar cells, including organic photovoltaics, and non-excitonic solar cells, including inorganic semiconductors. It will now be tested in a large-scale virtual screening of organic compounds being considered for possible use as photovoltaics.