Nano-Inspired Broadband Photovoltaics Sheets

The objective for Phase II is to transition the nanopatterning results obtained in Phase I to epitaxial lift-off (ELO)-based GaAs cells. By developing nanopatterning on ELO solar cells and antireflection coatings and by laminating the cells using nanopatterned PET/Teflon films, we can develop highly flexible and lightweight solar cells that are less sensitive to the angle of incidence of incoming sunlight and therefore provide improved energy generation over the entire day. Subsequently we will work on transitioning the technique onto larger area (20 square centimeter) ELO cells. Simultaneously we will work on developing low-cost nanopatterning methods using nanosphere lithography, such as nanoimprint technology in a roll-to-roll process flow.