Source: jcwinnie
The factor limiting oxide based photovoltaic system efficiency is the poor absorption of visible light. This, due to the use of anatase TiO2 (titanium dioxide) as photocatalyst (dye) -- this light absorbing dye in turn limits the efficient usage of all but the UV portion of sunlight.With that in mind -- a research group at the Materials Science and Engineering of Penn State published in the journal 'Advanced Energy Materials' a new form of high-performance solar photocatalyst. Its concept is based on the combination of the TiO2 and other "metallic" oxides that greatly enhance the visible light absorption and promote more efficient utilization of the solar spectrum for energy applications. Cool huh?
For original article visit: Wiley Online Library