Berkeley researchers discover new photovoltaic material which can provide higher efficiency

Researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have recently discovered that the long existing problem of bandgap voltage limitation in solar cells can be solved by using bismuth ferrite as a photovoltaic material. This is enabled due to bismuth ferrite exhibiting both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties. This material has a highly distorted crystal structure which makes it possible to manipulate it under an electric field, thus controlling its photovoltaic properties. It is possible to bypass the bandgap, an area where no electrons can exist; using this material, which in layman’s terms implies a great increase in the efficiency of solar cells.

The increase in efficiency brought about by using this new photovoltaic material can help in saving millions of dollars while further popularizing the use of solar energy.
[earthtechling]