The RMIT University research team is working alongside leading scientists from Australia and Japan to push the boundaries of next-generation solar cell technology. This collaboration aims to develop more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly photovoltaic solutions.
In a joint effort with the CSIRO and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the team is focusing on the use of nanotechnology to create solar cells that are not only cheaper but also less harmful to the environment. Their work explores the potential of low-cost, elemental semiconductor nanocomposites for printable solar cell applications. Recently, their groundbreaking findings were published in the prestigious *Journal of the American Chemical Society*, highlighting the significance of their contributions to the field.
Led by Professor Yasuhiro Tachibana from RMIT’s School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, the team is dedicated to reducing material and production costs while improving performance. As Professor Tachibana explained, “The photovoltaic industry has always focused on minimizing material and manufacturing costs.†He added, “To meet these demands, we’re developing new, low-cost, and low-toxicity colloidal nanomaterials, which are essential for the future of solar technology.â€
Colloidal nanocrystals can be easily transformed into “ink†for printing, making them ideal for scalable and affordable solar cell manufacturing. However, current materials like cadmium or lead still pose toxicity concerns. To address this, the team is exploring safer alternatives such as copper and antimony, which are abundant, inexpensive, and less toxic.
Professor Joel van Embden and Professor Kay Latham, both part of the research team, are actively involved in developing synthetic nanocrystalline materials. As Dr. van Embden noted, “Synthesizing new nanocrystals remains a major challenge, especially when initial reaction conditions are unknown.†Their focus is on incorporating elements like copper and antimony to create sustainable alternatives.
The team has successfully developed copper-sulfide-based colloidal nanocrystals, including beryllium copper and eutectic copper. These nanocrystals exhibit strong absorption of visible and infrared light, making them excellent candidates for solar cell applications. When dispersed in solution, they can be used to fabricate thin-film materials, which can be applied to electrodes for photovoltaic devices, thermoelectric systems, and transistors—offering a more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
According to Professor Tachibana, these nanocrystalline thin films have shown promising results in generating electricity under sunlight. The research team is now working to refine and scale up this technology for broader industrial use.
The *Journal of the American Chemical Society* (JACS), where the study was published, is one of the most respected scientific journals in the world. Established in 1876, the American Chemical Society (ACS) serves over 163,000 members globally and is renowned for its high-quality publications and resources. JACS consistently ranks among the top chemical journals in terms of citations and impact.
Professor Xinghuo Yu, Director of the RMIT Platform Technology Institute, praised the team’s achievement, stating, “Publishing in such a high-impact journal is a testament to the quality and innovation of their research.†He added, “This team brings together top scientists who are committed to solving complex global challenges. Their work has the potential to benefit not just the industry, but society as a whole.â€
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