Scientific research focuses on new-generation semiconductors to generate inexpensive and highly efficient photodetectors and solar cells. Manufacturing these optoelectronic devices at an industrial scale raises concerns at technological, economic, environmental and political levels. 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2 and WS2, appear promising since these materials feature long-term stability and are easily processed and abundant. However, for photovoltaics, limited thickness absorption constitutes a general challenge. The EU-funded 2D_PHOT project proposes a photonic nanostructuration to maximise light harvesting in these devices. The project will design and produce an efficient photodetector and a solar cell by integrating the photonic design and demonstrate increased performance in a metal back reflector/TMDC/graphene device.

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