Functional coatings with carbon quantum dots for solar cells

¹ Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “North Caucasus Federal University”, 355017 Stavropol, Russia
² South Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI) named after. Platova, 346428 Novocherkassk, Russia
³ Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Stavropol State Agrarian University”, 355017 Stavropol, Russia

Abstract

Currently, research in the world of science is expanding in the field of improving the design parameters of photoconverters, ensuring an increase in their coefficient of performance (efficiency) and an increase in service life. The purpose of the research carried out by the authors of this article is to create a functional coating of solar cell surfaces that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, allowing to reduce the degree of wear of the active material and increase the overall efficiency of converting solar energy into electrical energy. To confirm the formulated scientific hypothesis about the feasibility of creating functional coatings on the surfaces of photoconverters from materials with carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a special installation was developed and a series of experiments was carried out using a solution of CQDs in xylene, analytical grade isopropyl alcohol, and LA grade polyvinyl butyral. The research results obtained indicate an improvement in the output characteristics of solar cells due to the use of coatings made of materials with carbon quantum dots, including an increase in the overall efficiency. Solar cells provided with the proposed coatings will be in demand for operation in conditions where intense ultraviolet radiation dominates and maximum energy efficiency from solar panels is required: high mountains and open space. The practical application of the developed coatings will increase the efficiency of solar cells by 1–3% and increase their service life by absorbing harmful UV rays that destroy the active material by at least 10%.