Publications by authors named "Kaitlyn T VanSant"
The pursuit of ever-higher solar cell efficiencies has focused heavily on multijunction technologies. In tandem cells, subcells are typically either contacted via two terminals (2T) or four terminals (4T). Simulations show that the less-common three-terminal (3T) design may be comparable to 4T tandem cells in its compatibility with a range of materials, operating conditions, and methods for subcell integration, yet the 3T design circumvents shading losses of the 4T intermediate conductive layers.
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- - Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are promising for optoelectronic applications due to their flexibility in composition and ability to be stabilized, although their photovoltaic efficiencies aren't as high as traditional perovskite thin films.
- - The study utilizes photoluminescence techniques to explore how surface treatment and composition affect the open circuit voltage in CsPbI PQDs, revealing a much higher free charge carrier concentration compared to standard perovskite thin films.
- - By modifying the A-site cation from Cs to FA, the researchers were able to reduce trap density significantly while maintaining carrier concentration, which ultimately helps refine PQD properties and enhances the performance of solar cells when integrated with thin films.
Tandem and multijunction solar cells offer the only demonstrated path to terrestrial 1-sun solar cell efficiency over 30%. Three-terminal tandem (3TT) solar cells can overcome some of the limitations of two-terminal and four-terminal tandem solar cell designs. However, the coupled nature of the cells adds a degree of complexity to the devices themselves and the ways that their performance can be measured and reported.
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