This article discusses the 5 most common types of light-harvesting materials, including silicon, organic photovoltaics, and perovskite solar cells.
5 Most Common Types of Light-Harvesting Materials
Light-harvesting materials are compounds that have the ability to capture light and convert it into useful energy, such as electricity or chemical energy. These materials are used in a wide range of applications, from solar cells to artificial photosynthesis. In this article, we will explore the 5 most common types of light-harvesting materials.
1. Silicon
Silicon is the most widely used material for making solar cells. It is abundant, cheap, and has excellent electrical properties. Silicon-based solar cells can be found in a variety of applications, from powering homes and businesses to providing electricity in remote areas. Silicon solar cells have an efficiency of around 20%, meaning they can convert 20% of the sunlight they receive into electricity.
2. Organic Photovoltaics
Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are made from organic molecules that can absorb light and convert it into electricity. OPVs are lightweight, flexible, and can be produced using low-cost printing techniques. They are also highly efficient, with some cells achieving an efficiency of over 15%. OPVs are being used in a range of applications, including powering wearable electronics and charging mobile devices.
3. Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) use a layer of dye to absorb light and generate an electrical charge. DSSCs are less expensive to produce than silicon solar cells and can be made into flexible, lightweight panels. However, they are less efficient than silicon solar cells, with typical efficiencies of around 10%.
4. Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells are a newer type of solar cell that use a layer of perovskite material to capture light and generate an electrical charge. Perovskite solar cells have the potential to be highly efficient, with some cells achieving efficiencies of over 25%. They are also less expensive to produce than silicon solar cells and can be made into flexible, lightweight panels.