Purchase Solution

Organic vs. Silicon-Based Solar Cells

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Compare and contrast organic and present day silicon-based (inorganic) solar cells.

Describe the physics behind the operation of these solar photovoltaic devices and then discuss how their efficiencies are determined.

What advantages and disadvantages exist for both organic and inorganic solar cells?

Describe the main barriers or technical difficulties associated with each.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The expert compares and contrasts organic and present day silicon-based solar cells. The advantages and disadvantages for both organic and inorganic solar cells are determined.

Solution Preview

Compare and contrast organic and present day silicon-based (inorganic) solar cells.

- A fundamental difference between solar cells based on organic materials and conventional inorganic photovoltaic (IPV) cells is that light absorption results in the formation of excitons in molecular materials, rather than in free electrons and holes
- A key difference between organic solar cells and IPVs is the relative importance of interfacial processes. Light absorption in IPV cells results directly in the formation of free charge carriers. Light absorption in organic materials almost always results in the production of a mobile excited state rather than in free charge carriers.
- In most organic solar cells, charges are created by photoinduced electron transfer
- The charge transport mechanisms operating in IPV cells and organic solar cells to drive
charge carriers towards the electrodes are different
- Organic solar cells have lower efficiency rate compared to an inorganic semiconducting solar cell (only 5% efficiency compared to the 15% of ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Match Elements with their Symbols

Elements are provided: choose the matching one- or two-letter symbol for each element.

Thermochemistry

The quiz helps in revising basic concepts about thermochemistry.

General Chemistry - Classification of Matter

This test will assess your knowledge on the classification of matter which includes elements, compounds and mixtures.

Organic Chemistry Naming: Alkanes

This is a quiz which is designed to assist students with learning the nomenclature used to identify organic compounds. This quiz focuses on the organic compounds called Alkanes.