CVD Nanodiamond Thin Films in Solar Energy Conversion

What is it about?

An overview on the synthesis and properties of CVD diamond films and on their applications in solar energy conversion. The basic issues and application challenges are presented and discussed.

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Why is it important?

The use of emerging semiconductor materials is fundamental to achieving competitive solar energy conversion systems with low cost and high energy conversion efficiency. A variety of nanostructured thin films has been investigated for application in devices which convert sunlight directly into electricity, particularly those based on photovoltaic or thermionic effect. The challenge of using materials in thin film form is that the bulk properties can change when the material is constrained in size. Understanding the thin films properties and how these properties are affected by synthesis conditions is critical to the successful implementation of solar energy conversion devices. It is imperative that the development of highly efficient conversion devices depends on the proper material selection. Diamond thin films exhibit potentially beneficial characteristics to be employed in photovoltaic and thermionic devices. They possess a range of superior electronic, optical, mechanical and chemical properties to outclass competing wide-bandgap materials. The combination of these properties offers engineering solutions that can shift performance to new levels or enable completely new approaches to challenging problems in different applications.

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