Efficiency improvement employing CdTe quantum dots and Ag/Au nanoalloys on c-silicon solar cells

We report a newly developed synthesis-method and the extensive characterization of highly monodisperse, stable, multipode Au/Ag bimetallic-nanostars using an inorganic additive as a ligand. This new method evolves the nano-alloys in one solution rather than the utilization of parallel solutions employed in the state-of-the-art. Additionally, we discuss the synergistic effects of nanostars when employed in conjunction with CdTe quantum-dots that have enabled demonstrating photovoltaic efficiencies of 15% when applied to substrates with a thickness of ~150μm.