Making Solar Cells From Copper Nanowires

Apr-28-14 Researchers have discovered that copper sprouts of nanowires could be one day be made into solar cells, which could provide a low cost—through quite narrow—alternative to today's cells.

The team, from Washington University, discovered copper's potential while studying a cross-section of the metal. They found that copper will sprout into "grass-like nanowires" when heated—long, narrow, cylindrical structures only a few hundred nanometers wide. Because the nanowires are structured in a single crystal, like solar cells, the team hopes that further study will allow them to use the nanowires to make solar cells.

The nanowires cost much less to produce than a single Cu2O crystal, which could prove beneficial to researchers. "...if you can live with this form that's a long wire instead of a small crystal, you can really use it to study basic scientific phenomena," said Parag Banerjee, PhD and team leader. The team is also looking into applications for the nanowires as a photocatalyst or electrode for splitting water.

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[PHYS.ORG]

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