Abstract
The fabrication of a new type of solar cell encapsulation architecture comprising a periodic array of step-index waveguides is reported. The materials are fabricated through patterning with light in a photoreactive binary blend of crosslinking acrylate and urethane, wherein phase separation induces the spontaneous, directed formation of broadband, cylindrical waveguides. This microstructured material efficiently collects and transmits optical energy over a wide range of entry angles. Silicon solar cells comprising this encapsulation architecture show greater total external quantum efficiencies and enhanced wide-angle light capture and conversion. This is a rapid, straightforward, and scalable approach to process light-collecting structures, whereby significant increases in cell performance may be achieved.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Advanced Materials |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - Jan 1 2017 |
Keywords
- External quantum efficiency
- Optical coatings
- Polymers
- Solar cells
- Waveguides
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Materials Science(all)
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering