Regulating Electron 'Spin' May Be Key to Making Organic Solar Cells Competitive

[Incitatus]

Regulating Electron 'Spin' May Be Key to Making Organic Solar Cells Competitive

Aug. 7, 2013 — Organic solar cells, a new class of solar cell that mimics the natural process of plant photosynthesis, could revolutionise renewable energy -- but currently lack the efficiency to compete with the more costly commercial silicon cells.

At the moment, organic solar cells can achieve as much as 12 per cent efficiency in turning light into electricity, compared with 20 to 25 per cent for silicon-based cells.

Now, researchers have discovered that manipulating the 'spin' of electrons in these solar cells dramatically improves their performance, providing a vital breakthrough in the pursuit of cheap, high performing solar power technologies.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130807133432.htm

[FogerRox]

1. "compared with 30 to 40 per cent for silicon-based cells."