Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cells

Nanotechnology has arisen as a revolutionary technology, providing a diverse range of solutions to tackle energy-related difficulties. Nanotechnology allows for the creation of components and devices that are smaller than 100 nm, which in turn provides new opportunities for improving the efficiency...

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Main Author: Amirhamzeh Farajollahi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Energy Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2025.1560718/full
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author Amirhamzeh Farajollahi
author_facet Amirhamzeh Farajollahi
author_sort Amirhamzeh Farajollahi
collection DOAJ
description Nanotechnology has arisen as a revolutionary technology, providing a diverse range of solutions to tackle energy-related difficulties. Nanotechnology allows for the creation of components and devices that are smaller than 100 nm, which in turn provides new opportunities for improving the efficiency of energy capture, storage, and transport. Through the process of nuclear fusion, the sun produces a vast quantity of energy on a daily basis, surpassing all the energy that humanity has ever harnessed throughout history. The worldwide technical capacity of solar energy significantly surpasses the current overall primary energy requirement. This review explores the role of nanomaterials in improving solar energy harvesting systems, including solar collectors, fuel cells, photocatalytic systems, and photovoltaic cells. Through a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies, key findings indicate that nanomaterials can enhance incident solar radiation absorption by up to nine times, leading to a 10% efficiency improvement in solar collectors compared to conventional designs. Additionally, advancements in third-generation solar cells demonstrate the potential of nanostructured materials in enhancing charge transport, light absorption, and cost-effectiveness. The study further highlights existing challenges, such as the long-term stability of nanomaterials, environmental concerns, and economic barriers to large-scale implementation. Addressing these limitations through sustainable nanomaterial design and scalable production techniques will be essential for realizing the full potential of nanotechnology in solar energy applications.
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spelling doaj-art-3b9c4172fa884fdda2fd15184febd1f12025-08-20T02:08:23ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Energy Research2296-598X2025-04-011310.3389/fenrg.2025.15607181560718Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cellsAmirhamzeh FarajollahiNanotechnology has arisen as a revolutionary technology, providing a diverse range of solutions to tackle energy-related difficulties. Nanotechnology allows for the creation of components and devices that are smaller than 100 nm, which in turn provides new opportunities for improving the efficiency of energy capture, storage, and transport. Through the process of nuclear fusion, the sun produces a vast quantity of energy on a daily basis, surpassing all the energy that humanity has ever harnessed throughout history. The worldwide technical capacity of solar energy significantly surpasses the current overall primary energy requirement. This review explores the role of nanomaterials in improving solar energy harvesting systems, including solar collectors, fuel cells, photocatalytic systems, and photovoltaic cells. Through a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies, key findings indicate that nanomaterials can enhance incident solar radiation absorption by up to nine times, leading to a 10% efficiency improvement in solar collectors compared to conventional designs. Additionally, advancements in third-generation solar cells demonstrate the potential of nanostructured materials in enhancing charge transport, light absorption, and cost-effectiveness. The study further highlights existing challenges, such as the long-term stability of nanomaterials, environmental concerns, and economic barriers to large-scale implementation. Addressing these limitations through sustainable nanomaterial design and scalable production techniques will be essential for realizing the full potential of nanotechnology in solar energy applications.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2025.1560718/fullsolar energynanotechnologyenergy efficiencyphotovoltaic cellsrenewable energy
spellingShingle Amirhamzeh Farajollahi
Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cells
Frontiers in Energy Research
solar energy
nanotechnology
energy efficiency
photovoltaic cells
renewable energy
title Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cells
title_full Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cells
title_fullStr Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cells
title_full_unstemmed Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cells
title_short Nanotechnology in solar energy: From active systems to Advanced Solar cells
title_sort nanotechnology in solar energy from active systems to advanced solar cells
topic solar energy
nanotechnology
energy efficiency
photovoltaic cells
renewable energy
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2025.1560718/full
work_keys_str_mv AT amirhamzehfarajollahi nanotechnologyinsolarenergyfromactivesystemstoadvancedsolarcells