RED BANK, N.J., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The research
program of Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; NTCXF.PK)
being conducted under a joint research agreement with Rice University has accomplished extremely
significant steps toward realization of a manufacturable quantum
dot solar cell. The work is being supervised by Prof. Andrew Barron, a Natcore co-founder.
Three key requirements must be met to make a quantum dot solar
cell:
- Create quantum dots of the proper size;
- Create a uniform layer of those same quantum dots embedded in a
thin film of silicon dioxide; and
- Arrange the quantum dots such that the average inter-dot
distance between any two of them is less than 10nm.
The scientists have successfully met all three requirements. The
researchers successfully embedded 20nm-diameter germanium
quantum dots (Ge QDs) inside smooth, round shells of silica
(silicon dioxide); dispersed the coated quantum dots on a surface
with a simple spraying technique; and coated the layer with a film
of silicon dioxide using Natcore's liquid phase deposition (LPD)
process. The coated quantum dots are represented by the
chemical symbol Ge@SiO2.
Scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron
microscope analysis of the films, coupled with a measurement of the
photocurrent generated when the film was exposed to a light source,
showed that very nearly 70% of the Ge@SiO2 quantum dots were within
the 10nm maximum separation between nearest neighbors that is
needed for high efficiency device operation. The resulting samples
were one square centimeter in size.
With an applied voltage across the film thickness and
illuminated by a laboratory white light operating at approximately
one sun intensity, the film produced a current of over 6
milliamps. The 6ma current represents a threefold increase
over the first attempts to make a QD layer device, as reported by
Natcore in an earlier news release.
"We've been working towards this for a long time," says Dr.
Dennis Flood, Natcore's co-founder
and Chief Technology Officer. "It paves the way to a tandem solar
cell using quantum dot material. We're preparing a provisional
patent application."
Chuck Provini, Natcore's
president and CEO, says, "This is a remarkable improvement in
photo-generated current in the silica film. Prof. Barron's group
has done an excellent job moving this from scientific research
through proof of concept. Now the researchers at our Rochester
R&D Center will focus on developing a working prototype."
Statements herein other than purely historical factual
information, including statements relating to revenues or profits,
or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected sales, cash
flows, and capital expenditures constitute forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous
assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties
inherent in Natcore's business, including risks inherent in the
technology history. There can be no assurance that such
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with
applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements or
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference
herein.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contact: Chuck Provini
732-576-8800
info@NatcoreSolar.com
SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.