Low-Energy Electron Multiplication on Nanostructured Solar Cells: a Novel Route to Overcome Si-PV Efficiency Limits
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Silicon photovoltaics, while dominating global photovoltaic production, are approaching the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit. The LEEMONS project, funded by Horizon Europe (Grant 101172870), develops a novel nanostructured solar cell concept based on Low-Energy Electron Multiplication (LEEM). This process enables a single high-energy photon to generate multiple low-energy electrons, thereby reducing thermalisation losses and increasing photocurrent. The consortium integrates advanced ion implantation, annealing and metallisation techniques to demonstrate proof-of-concept prototypes using industrially relevant solar technologies such as heterojunction cells. Early results confirm the fabrication of ion-implanted nanostructured layers, validation of implantation masks and low-temperature metallisation alternatives. LEEMONS offers a scalable, industry-compatible pathway to higher Si-PV efficiencies, with strong alignment to EU goals on renewable energy, climate neutrality and technological sovereignty.
Source: EU PVSEC
Authors: Hosatte, Mikaël, Rouffie, Brice, Kuznicki, Zbigniew T., Milesi, Frédéric, Paviet-Salomon, Bertrand, Morisset, Audrey, Wyss, Philippe, Koduvelikulathu, Lejo Joseph, Rachdi, Lazhar, Popescu, Lacramioara, Rudolph, Dominik, Basta, Marek, Miszczuk, Andrzej, Majak, Martyna, Basta, Beata, Queste, Samuel
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7106209748
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: