Novel Materials for Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Major
Physics
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Chemistry, Physics
Expected Graduation Date
2022
Location
CNS Atrium, Easel 22
Start Date
4-9-2022 11:15 AM
End Date
4-9-2022 12:30 PM
Abstract
Solar cells are a critically important component of the sustainable energy movement. In recent years, the cost of silicon based solar cells has decreased a lot as a result of advances in manufacturing technology. However the conversion efficiency of turning sunlight into electrical energy has stagnated at around 18-22%.
In recent years, a class of materials called Perovskites have been found to be a promising platform for high efficiency solar cells. From 2006-2021, scientists have improved the efficiency of perovskite based solar cells from a 2% to 29%, already exceeding the best solar cells that exist. This demonstrates the tremendous potential of these compounds.
Our goal for this project is to grow thin films of these lead perovskites in our lab using a Spin Coater which can be used to grow successive layers of lead perovskite crystals on substrates of glass that has been pre-coated with electrically conductive Indium Tin Oxide. We will make electrical contacts on these multilayered thin films and measure their electrical characteristics. We will also measure the optical absorption efficiency of these thin films in the visible and infrared part of the optical spectrum.
Novel Materials for Photovoltaic Solar Cells
CNS Atrium, Easel 22
Solar cells are a critically important component of the sustainable energy movement. In recent years, the cost of silicon based solar cells has decreased a lot as a result of advances in manufacturing technology. However the conversion efficiency of turning sunlight into electrical energy has stagnated at around 18-22%.
In recent years, a class of materials called Perovskites have been found to be a promising platform for high efficiency solar cells. From 2006-2021, scientists have improved the efficiency of perovskite based solar cells from a 2% to 29%, already exceeding the best solar cells that exist. This demonstrates the tremendous potential of these compounds.
Our goal for this project is to grow thin films of these lead perovskites in our lab using a Spin Coater which can be used to grow successive layers of lead perovskite crystals on substrates of glass that has been pre-coated with electrically conductive Indium Tin Oxide. We will make electrical contacts on these multilayered thin films and measure their electrical characteristics. We will also measure the optical absorption efficiency of these thin films in the visible and infrared part of the optical spectrum.