Polymer Nanocomposites Could Improve Solar Cell Durability
February 23, 2017 | Texas A&M UniversityEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Polymer Nanocomposites Laboratory at Texas A&M University, directed by Dr. Jaime Grunlan, is working with scientists at the Sandia National Laboratory to reduce or eliminate arc faults and corrosion in solar cells. Corrosion in photovoltaic cells, which convert light into electricity, can damage connections and reduce or destroy the ability to generate electricity. Sandia Labs recently issued a press release detailing multiple approaches to corrosion research, which has been picked up by several news outlets.
The specific goal of Grunlan’s research with Sandia is to prevent arc faults, which are discharges of electricity that can occur when electrical connections are corroded. Initial testing suggests the thin clay-based nanocomposite coatings developed at Texas A&M could also be used as anti-corrosive layers within the cells to improve durability/lifetime. The coatings developed within Grunlan's research group are being evaluated as barriers to moisture and corrosive gases. Testing is being done at Sandia as part of the larger Durable Module Materials National Lab Consortium (DuraMat), which is seeking to benefit the photovoltaic industry.
“It’s exciting to see how our long-term research in gas barrier and flame retardant coatings is being used to improve the efficiency and longevity of solar cells. We are solving complicated problems using low-cost and environmentally benign materials, which is an added bonus,” Grunlan said.
In the release, Erik Spoerke of Sandia's Electronic, Optical and Nano Materials Department compared the development of these nanocomposite films, some of which can be 100 times thinner than a human hair, to building a house.
"It's about assembling those structures in the right way so that you can use inexpensive materials and still get the benefits you want," Spoerke said. "If you build a house, it's not just piling together the drywall and two-by-fours and shingles. You've got to use the two-by-fours to make the frame, set the drywall on the two-by-fours and assemble the shingles on the roof."
The overall goal of the research is to bring down the long-term cost of solar panels and solar technology. Being able to slow down corrosion in solar panels using inexpensive materials like clay so that they last longer and stay efficient could help facilitate faster adoptions of solar technology.
Grunlan’s project with Sandia is an industry-sponsored project through the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. Grunlan is the Linda & Ralph Schmidt ’68 Professor in the Texas A&M Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Suggested Items
SMC Korea 2024 to Highlight Semiconductor Materials Trends and Innovations on Industry’s Path to $1 Trillion
04/24/2024 | SEMIWith Korea a major consumer of semiconductor materials and advanced materials a key driver of innovation on the industry’s path to $1 trillion, industry leaders and experts will gather at SMC (Strategic Materials Conference) Korea 2024 on May 29 at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to provide insights into the latest materials developments and trends. Registration is open.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Beginning of a New Era for Newccess Industrial; The Construction of the MINGXIN Building
04/12/2024 | Newccess IndustrialOn a clear and sunny day in March, the groundbreaking ceremony for the MINGXIN Building took place in Shenzhen, China. This moment marked the official commencement of construction for a project that will reshape the semiconductor materials industry.
The Need for a Holistic Global Sustainability Standard
04/10/2024 | Michael Ford, Aegis SoftwareNo one can deny that the resources of our fragile planet are finite. The environment seems like a third party, subject to constant degradation. We’re acutely aware of the effects of pollution on our climate, and despite our “throw-away” culture, recycling and recovery of materials has remained relatively expensive, even as we use more energy just to survive.
iNEMI Publishes Four Roadmap Topics
04/04/2024 | iNEMIThe International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) announces the availability of the first roadmap topics in the new iNEMI Roadmap format. Printed circuit boards, sustainable electronics, smart manufacturing, and mmWave materials and test are now available online.
Insulectro’s 'Storekeepers' Extend Their Welcome to Technology Village at IPC APEX EXPO
04/03/2024 | InsulectroInsulectro, the largest distributor of materials for use in the manufacture of PCBs and printed electronics, welcomes attendees to its TECHNOLOGY VILLAGE during this year’s IPC APEX EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center, April 9-11, 2024.