Speaker
Description
One of the major challenges in efficient solar energy conversion is the effective utilization of the excess energy of photoexcited hot carriers. A single photon in conventional semiconductors generates one electron-hole pair upon absorption, and the energy beyond the bandgap primarily dissipates as heat via phonon emission. Overcoming these thermal losses is crucial for surpassing the Shockley-Queisser limit, the maximum power conversion efficiency of single-junction solar cells, and achieving solar cell efficiencies from 45% to 66%. Carrier multiplication and hot carrier extraction are examples of promising strategies. We will discuss new experimental discoveries and concepts concerning carrier multiplication and hot carrier extraction in two-dimensional materials for future solar energy systems.
