Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Imec and partners start work on EU project PRIMA to improve solar cell efficiency through nanostructures"

Home > Press > Imec and partners start work on EU project PRIMA to improve solar cell efficiency through nanostructures

Abstract:
Imec announces that it has started work, together with its project partners, on PRIMA, a project under the EU's 7th framework program for ICT (FP7). The project's goal is to improve the efficiency and cost of solar cells though the use of metallic nanostructures. Next to imec, the project coordinator, the partners involved in PRIMA are Imperial College (London, UK), Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Photovoltech (Belgium), Quantasol (UK) and Australian National University (Australia).

Imec and partners start work on EU project PRIMA to improve solar cell efficiency through nanostructures

Leuven, Belgium | Posted on March 30th, 2010

Certain nanostructured metallic surfaces show unique characteristics: they can absorb and intensify light at specific wavelengths. This is because the incoming light results in a collective oscillation of the electrons at the metal's surface. This phenomenon, studied under the name plasmonics, has many promising applications. It can be exploited to transmit optical signals through nanosized interconnects on chips, in nanoparticles that recognize and interact with biomolecules, or in solar cells.

With solar cells, metallic nanostructures can boost the absorption of light into the cell's photoactive material. And with an enhanced light absorption, it is possible to produce cells with less base material, thus thinner and cheaper cells. Metal nanostructures can improve the absorption in various types of cells, for example crystalline Si cells, cells based on high-performance III-V semiconductors, or organic and dye-sensitized solar cells.

The aim of the FP7 project PRIMA is twofold. First, the project wants to gain insight into the physical mechanisms of metallic nanostructures, and in how they can improve the light absorption of the solar cell's material. Second, the project's partners want to study how these structures can best be integrated into the production of solar cells. For this, they will test a number of structures, benchmarking them against state-of-the-art solar cells. The performance and applicability of these cells will then be assessed by solar cell companies that are participating in the project.

European science traditionally is a leader in both the fields of photovoltaics and plasmonics and this project helps to maintain Europe's strong position. Moreover it provides the participating industrial partners with a competitive advantage, which should create employment and sustainable economic growth in Europe, while simultaneously contributing to a reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases.

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About imec
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society.
Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1,750 people includes over 550 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2008, imec's revenue (P&L) was 270 million euro.
Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.

Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government) and imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.).

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