Exploring the Role of Thin Film Coatings in Solar Energy Harvesting

Year : 2024 | Volume :12 | Issue : 02 | Page : 15-19
By
vector

Aditi Dixit,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Meerut College, Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract document.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’,function(){frmFrontForm.scrollToID(‘frm_container_abs_129571’);});Edit Abstract & Keyword

With notable gains in efficiency, longevity, and affordability, thin film coatings have become a key technology in the field of solar energy harvesting. These coatings, typically composed of materials like titanium dioxide (TiO₂), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and amorphous silicon (a-Si), are applied to photovoltaic (PV) cells to enhance their ability to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. This review article delves into the various types of thin film coatings used in solar energy systems, their material properties, and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to their performance. It also explores the latest advancements in thin film technology, including the development of multi-junction solar cells and quantum dot-based coatings, which promise to push the boundaries of solar cell efficiency. The article highlights the role of thin film coatings in reducing the cost per watt of solar power, thereby making solar energy more accessible and competitive with traditional energy sources. Furthermore, the environmental impact of these coatings, particularly in terms of material toxicity and recyclability, is examined. The review concludes with a discussion on the future prospects of thin film coatings in solar energy, including potential applications in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and flexible solar panels, as well as the challenges that must be addressed to fully realize their potential. In the realm of renewable energy, this article intends to be a useful guide for academics, engineers, and policymakers by offering a thorough summary of the state of thin film coatings in solar energy harvesting.

Keywords: Thin film coatings, solar energy harvesting, photovoltaic cells, multi-junction solar cells, quantum dot coatings, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)

[This article belongs to Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology & Application (jotcsta)]

How to cite this article:
Aditi Dixit. Exploring the Role of Thin Film Coatings in Solar Energy Harvesting. Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology & Application. 2024; 12(02):15-19.
How to cite this URL:
Aditi Dixit. Exploring the Role of Thin Film Coatings in Solar Energy Harvesting. Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology & Application. 2024; 12(02):15-19. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jotcsta/article=2024/view=0

References
document.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’,function(){frmFrontForm.scrollToID(‘frm_container_ref_129571’);});Edit

  1. Green MA, Bremner SP. Energy conversion approaches and materials for high-efficiency photovoltaics. Nat Mater. 2017;16(1):23-34.
  2. Tsakalakos L. Nanostructures for photovoltaics. Mater Sci Eng R Rep. 2008;62(6):175-89.
  3. Chopra KL, Paulson PD, Dutta V. Thin‐film solar cells: an overview. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and applications. 2004 Mar;12(2‐3):69-92.
  4. Giraldo S, Jehl Z, Placidi M, Izquierdo‐Roca V, Pérez‐Rodríguez A, Saucedo E. Progress and perspectives of thin film kesterite photovoltaic technology: a critical review. Advanced materials. 2019 Apr;31(16):1806692.
  5. Todorov TK, Mitzi DB. A roadmap for emerging thin film solar cell technologies. Nat Photonics. 2010;4(7):411-5.
  6. Giannouli M. Current Status of Emerging PV Technologies: A Comparative Study of Dye‐Sensitized, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells. International Journal of Photoenergy. 2021;2021(1):6692858.
  7. Ramanujam J, Singh UP. Copper indium gallium selenide based solar cells: A review. Energy Environ Sci. 2017;10(6):1306-19.
  8. Kojima A, Teshima K, Shirai Y, et al. Organometal halide perovskites as visible-light sensitizers for photovoltaic cells. J Am Chem Soc. 2009;131(17):6050-1.
  9. Zhao Y, Zhu K. Organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites for optoelectronic and electronic applications. Chem Soc Rev. 2016;45(20):6555-82.
  10. Socol M, Preda N. Hybrid nanocomposite thin films for photovoltaic applications: a review. Nanomaterials. 2021 Apr 26;11(5):111
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 12
Issue 02
Received 20/08/2024
Accepted 30/08/2024
Published 03/09/2024
115