Nanomaterials for Solar Cell Applications

Nanomaterials for Solar Cell Applications provides a review of recent developments in the field of nanomaterials based solar cells. It begins with a discussion of the fundamentals of nanomaterials for solar calls, including a discussion of lifecycle assessments and characterization techniques. Next, it reviews various types of solar cells, i.e., Thin film, Metal-oxide, Nanowire, Nanorod and Nanoporous materials, and more. Other topics covered include a review of quantum dot sensitized and perovskite and polymer nanocomposites-based solar cells. This book is an ideal resource for those working in this evolving field of nanomaterials and renewable energy.

Part I Fundamental of Nanomaterials for Solar Cells 1

1. Fundamentals of solar cells

2. Life-cycle assessment of photovoltaic systems

3. Introduction to nanomaterials: synthesis and applications

4. Characterization techniques for nanomaterials

Part II Metal oxide-based solar cells

5. TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells

6. ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells

7. SnO2 dye-sensitized solar cells

8. Nb2O5 dye-sensitized solar cells

Part III Nanowire, nanorod and nanoporous materials-based solar

9. Silicon nanowire-based solar cells

Part IV Others

10. Nanorod-based dye sensitized solar cells

11. Quantum dots for solar cell applications

12. Perovskite solar cells

13. Metal nanostructures for solar cells

14. Electrolyte for dye-sensitized, quantum dots, and perovskite solar cells

15. Polymer nanocomposites for solar cells: research trends and perspectives

Part V Nano-carbon materials-based solar cells

16. Graphene and carbon nanotube-based solar cells

17. Fullerene-based solar cells

18. Metal-assisted chemical etching based nanostructured

Index

Academics, researchers, Ph.D. students master’s students, industrialists and scientists (primarily in the field of material science, applied chemistry and applied physics). Professionals, researchers, industrial practitioners, graduate students, and senior undergraduates in the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science and nanoscience and nanotechnology, who work in similar areas or are interested in the field solar cells

Dr. Thomas is the Vice-Chancellor and a Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at Mahatma Gandhi University, India. Additionally, he serves as the Director of the School of Energy Materials at the same institution. Dr. Thomas is internationally recognized for his contributions to polymer science and engineering, covering polymer nanocomposites, elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, polymer membranes, green composites, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, and green nanotechnology. His groundbreaking inventions in polymer nanocomposites, polymer blends, green bionanotechnological, and nano-biomedical sciences have significantly contributed to the development of new materials in the automotive, space, housing, and biomedical fields. Dr. Thomas has been conferred with Honoris Causa (DSc) by the University of South Brittany, Lorient, France.

• Provides a well-organized approach to the use of nanomaterials for solar cell applications
• Discusses the synthesis, characterization and applications of traditional and new material
• Includes coverage of emerging nanomaterials, such as graphene, graphene-derivatives and perovskites