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A European research consortium is investigating a new approach to solar cell design using nanostructured silicon. The project, named LEEMONS, focuses on a mechanism called low-energy electron multiplication. This process aims to allow a single high-energy photon to generate multiple electrons, which could reduce energy losses that typically occur as heat in conventional photovoltaic devices.
The research targets a fundamental constraint known as the Shockley-Queisser limit, which defines the maximum theoretical efficiency for a standard single-junction solar cell. In typical solar cells, one photon excites only one electron. The LEEMONS initiative seeks to modify this by enabling carrier multiplication at lower energy levels, potentially pushing efficiency beyond established theoretical ceilings. The approach modifies silicon itself and does not rely on adding other semiconductor materials like perovskite.
Scientists create the necessary nanostructures by implanting ions into conventional crystalline silicon wafers. This process forms ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers embedded within the crystalline matrix. A subsequent annealing step partially recrystallizes the silicon while preserving these nanometer-scale layers. To integrate these structures into practical devices, researchers are addressing manufacturing challenges. Standard high-temperature metallization processes could alter the nanostructures, prompting exploration of low-temperature methods. Passivation techniques are also being evaluated to preserve carrier lifetimes in the modified silicon.
Preliminary work is ongoing, and the project has not yet produced fully integrated solar cell prototypes for testing. Current efforts include optimizing metallization to ensure nanostructures survive industrial firing steps and refining implantation conditions to improve carrier lifetime. A second optimization campaign is underway after initial experiments in January 2026 did not yield the expected improvements. The consortium plans to move toward the fabrication and testing of the first complete M6 cell prototypes incorporating the LEEM nanostructures starting mid 2026. The primary objective is to experimentally verify whether the low-energy electron multiplication mechanism can be induced and lead to measurable gains in carrier generation.
Theoretical calculations suggest that incorporating carrier multiplication could significantly raise the maximum achievable efficiency for single-junction solar cells. The project does not currently target a specific commercial efficiency value. However, researchers indicate that if the effects are demonstrated, efficiencies approaching a higher range for single-junction silicon devices become conceivable, based on the elevated theoretical limits predicted when multiplication mechanisms are considered.
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