Traditional solar panels seek for absorption of most visible light, so they are intrinsically opaque. We aim to find transparent photo absorbers (TPAs) for seeing-through solar cells. Our goal is to design a material that will absorb UV and IR light, while transmitting photons of visible light. By extensively investigating the synthetic process, such as temperature, reaction rate, crystallization, and surface reconstruction, we optimized the route to achieve TPAs. These materials could be used to design the next generation of space probes and crafts, assisting to address some challenging problems, such as light pollution, which is now causing increasing concerns of astronomers. Also, to achieve sustainable and energy efficient buildings which helps the goal of greener world, replacement of the windows with transparent solar cells will be a promising solution. Here we report an inorganic transparent light absorber (TLA), modified TiO<sub>2</sub>. By carefully engineering its band structure, it can selectively absorb UV and IR light, while transmitting visible light. EQE tests show the UV and IR photons effectively generate electrons from TiO<sub>2</sub>, demonstrating its great potential for transparent solar cell. We proposed a mechanism for this unique U-type light absorption. Particularly, this inorganic based study shed light to long-term stability of transparent solar cell application, which is crucial to meet the requirements for implementation in buildings.

Inorganic light absorber for transparent solar cells

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