Study of thermo-photovoltaic cells based on quantum nanostructures of III-V materials

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the performance of a new generation of thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) cells engineered from hybrid quantum nanostructures based on III–V semiconductor materials. The main objective of our research is to exploit the synergistic integration of narrow band-gap antimonides with the unique optoelectronic properties of III–V alloys, thereby enabling ultrabroadband absorption extending from the visible to the far-infrared domain. This spectral versatility opens the pathway for significantly enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency, surpassing the limits of conventional photovoltaic technologies. The novelty of this study lies in the nanotechnology-driven design of the active medium: by tailoring the dimensional confinement of carriers in 0D quantum dots, 1D quantum wires, and 2D quantum wells, it becomes possible to precisely control absorption, carrier transport, and thermal management. Such nanostructuration not only broadens the optical response but also enhances phonon scattering and thermal stability, key challenges in high-performance TPV systems. The proposed approach thus provides a multifunctional platform that unites photovoltaic and thermoelectric effects within a single hybrid device, this research demonstrates a pathway toward highly efficient, spectrally versatile, and thermally robust energy conversion devices, positioning hybrid nanostructured TPVs as a disruptive technology in the future of renewable and sustainable energy.