The Physics of Solar Energy Conversion

This handbook introduces the main physico-chemical principles that govern the operation of energy devices. The work presents an explanation of the operation of photovoltaic devices with a broad perspective embracing concepts from nanostructured and highly disordered materials to highly efficient devices such as lead halide perovskite solar cells. <p>Research on advanced energy conversion devices such as solar cells has intensified in the last two decades. A broad landscape of candidate materials and devices were discovered and systematically studied for effective solar energy conversion and utilization. New concepts have emerged forming a rather powerful picture embracing the mechanisms and limitation to efficiencies of different types of devices. <strong><em>The Physics of Solar Energy Conversion</em></strong> introduces the main physico-chemical principles that govern the operation of energy devices for energy conversion and storage, with a detailed view of the principles of solar energy conversion using advanced materials.</p><p>Key Features include:</p><ul> <li>Highlights recent rapid advances with the discovery of perovskite solar cells and their development.</li> <li>Analyzes the properties of organic solar cells, lithium ion batteries, light emitting diodes and the semiconductor materials for hydrogen production by water splitting.</li> <li>Embraces concepts from nanostructured and highly disordered materials to lead halide perovskite solar cells </li> <li>Takes a broad perspective and comprehensively addresses the fundamentals so that the reader can apply these and assess future developments and technologies in the field.</li> <li>Introduces basic techniques and methods for understanding the materials and interfaces that compose operative energy devices such as solar cells and solar fuel converters.</li> </ul>