Photovoltaic Materials and Electronic Devices

Given the state-of-the-art in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and favorable financing terms it is clear that PV has already obtained grid parity in specific locations [1]. Advances in the next generation of photovoltaic materials and photovoltaic devices can further reduce costs to enable all of humanity to utilize sustainable and renewable solar power [2]. This Special Issue of Materials will cover such materials including modeling synthesis and evaluation of new materials and their solar cells. Specifically this Special Issue will focus on five material technologies for advanced solar cells: 1. New Concepts in PV Materials: Nanostructured materials low-dimensional physics multiple charge generation up/down converters thermophotovoltaics low-cost III-V materials bandgap engineering hot-carrier effects plasmonics metamorphic materials perovskite and related novel PV materials novel light trapping rectennas quantum dots carbon nanotubes and graphene composites. 2. Organic PV Materials: Polymer hybrid and dye sensitized solar cells high performance contacts and lifetime degradation and mechanisms. 3. Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) Materials: Recent developments in dyes working electrodes technologies for device fabrications and advances in new electrolytes. 4. Amorphous Nanostructured and Thin Film Silicon PV Materials: Microstructure characterization light induced degradation (SWE) large area and high deposition rates novel processing routes light trapping multi-layers and multi-junction devices. 5. Passive Materials for all PV: Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) encapsulation connections optics glass anti-reflection coatings (ARCs) alternative buffer layer materials and contacts.