Ultrathin-Metal-Film-Based Transparent Electrodes with Relative Transmittance Surpassing 100%

Ultrathin-metal-film-based transparent electrodes with relative transmittance surpassing 100%

Flexible transparent electrodes are in significant demand in applications including solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and touch panels. The combination of high optical transparency and high electrical conductivity, however, sets a stringent requirement on electrodes based on metallic materials. To obtain practical sheet resistances, the visible transmittance of the electrodes in previous studies is typically lower than the transparent substrat…

Scientists develop incredible breakthrough material that could change solar panels forever — here's what's happening

Scientists have discovered a way to make solar panels more eco-friendly. Researchers in Japan developed all-organic solar cells with the world's highest efficiency, according to a Kanazawa University writeup published by Phys.org. The biodegradable nature of the material allows solar panels to be discarded with little impact on the environment. Right now, most solar panel models use a silicon base, which can become hazardous to human health when…

A New Precision-Engineered Surface Could Make Solar Panels More Efficient

America’s solar capacity has been rising—in 2023, solar panels generated enough energy to power 22 million homes, eight times more than in 2014. While that is impressive, solar still only produces roughly 4 percent of our nation’s total electricity. However, a recent development in anti-reflective coatings could improve solar efficiency and increase that percentage. The economy or the climate? Why not both? …