Kyushu University achieves 130% quantum yield in solar cells using molybdenum spin-flip emitter and singlet fission
By
Carlos
Slow-proofed and worth the wait. Worth its weight in flour.
Summary
Researchers at Kyushu University, in collaboration with German scientists, have achieved a 130% quantum yield in solar energy conversion using a molybdenum-based spin-flip complex paired with a singlet fission material. This doesn't violate physics — the 130% figure refers to quantum yield (electrons generated per photon), not energy efficiency. The system harvests two electrons from a single high-energy photon by using singlet fission to split energy into two triplet excitons, then a molybdenum spin-flip emitter converts these into two electrons. This breakthrough could significantly improve solar cell efficiency by capturing energy normally lost as heat.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA solar cell that exceeds 100% efficiency sounds like a violation of physics — and if taken at face value, it would be. Energy can't be created from nothing.
The figure is real. What it means, however, is not what it appears to be — and the distinction matters enormously for the future of solar energy.
One photon, one electron — the rule solar cells have
You might also wanna read
Scientists stabilize elusive crystal phase using silver nanoparticles, unlocking room-temperature quantum properties
Researchers from Brown University and the University of Michigan have created and stabilized a previously theoretical state of matter by arr
University of Illinois researchers develop 3D chip stacking technique to extend Moore's Law
Researchers at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering have developed a breakthrough in 3D chip manufacturing that could
Gallium phosphide-titanium solar cell shows potential for 60% energy conversion efficiency
Researchers have developed a solar cell using gallium phosphide (GaP) and titanium (Ti) that could theoretically achieve 60% energy conversi
interestingengineering.com·1d ago
Atomically precise carbon structure fabrication demonstrated using inverted-mode STM mechanosynthesis
Researchers demonstrate atomically precise mechanosynthesis of carbon structures on a hydrogen-passivated Si(100) surface using inverted-mod
arxiv.org·4d ago
UC Santa Barbara researchers develop liquid battery material that stores solar energy as heat for years
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara, led by Associate Professor Grace Han, have developed a novel material that absorbs sunlight, stores the ene
How Single-Crystal Casting Techniques Enable Jet Engines to Withstand 2,000-Degree Temperatures
This article explores the engineering and materials science behind modern jet engines, focusing on the innovative casting techniques that pr
americanscientist.org·28d ago