Grantee Research Project Results
2018 Progress Report: Semitransparent Thin Film Solar Cells using Cu-doped Bi2(S,Se)3 Nanocrystals for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
EPA Grant Number: SU839290Title: Semitransparent Thin Film Solar Cells using Cu-doped Bi2(S,Se)3 Nanocrystals for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Investigators: Das, Sandip , Riefe, Erik , McWhorter, Samuel , Griffis, Lakota , Patel, Shirali , Beltran, Alfredo
Current Investigators: Das, Sandip , Riefe, Erik , McWhorter, Samuel , Griffis, Lakota , Rogers, Johnathan
Institution: Kennesaw State University
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: February 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019 (Extended to January 31, 2020)
Project Period Covered by this Report: February 1, 2018 through January 31,2019
Project Amount: $14,977
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2017) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality
Objective:
Development of low-cost and mass deployable solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is crucial to realize solar power as the primary source of renewable energy for a sustainable future, mitigation of environmental impacts by reducing greenhouse and toxic gas emissions, and meeting the global demand of terawatt-scale PV power generation. The current commercial solar cell technology is based on silicon (Si) which is expensive and makes the solar modules rigid, fragile, and heavy. In addition, these heavy modules pose significant logistical issues and incur extra cost requiring expensive metal structures to mount them onto buildings. Due to such serious drawbacks, installation of these solar panels have been limited to the building rooftops only, which severely restricts the power generation capacity due to limited roof surface area available. Thus, development of lightweight, flexible, and portable solar photovoltaic technology is of utmost importance, which can address the sustainability challenges by integrating the solar modules onto a building. The proposed P3 program aims to develop novel ultra-thin solar cells by applying potentially transformative and disruptive nanotechnology resulting in lightweight, semi-transparent, flexible solar cells that can be easily retrofitted onto windows, rooftops, and even the vertical walls of a building – thus substantially increasing the PV power generation capacity, as well as improving energy efficiency of the buildings. Development of low-cost and mass deployable solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is crucial to realize solar power as the primary source of renewable energy for a sustainable future, mitigation of environmental impacts by reducing greenhouse and toxic gas emissions, and meeting the global demand of terawatt-scale PV power generation. The current commercial solar cell technology is based on silicon (Si) which is expensive and makes the solar modules rigid, fragile, and heavy. In addition, these heavy modules pose significant logistical issues and incur extra cost requiring expensive metal structures to mount them onto buildings. Due to such serious drawbacks, installation of these solar panels have been limited to the building rooftops only, which severely restricts the power generation capacity due to limited roof surface area available. Thus, development of lightweight, flexible, and portable solar photovoltaic technology is of utmost importance, which can address the sustainability challenges by integrating the solar modules onto a building. The proposed P3 program aims to develop novel ultra-thin solar cells by applying potentially transformative and disruptive nanotechnology resulting in lightweight, semi-transparent, flexible solar cells that can be easily retrofitted onto windows, rooftops, and even the vertical walls of a building – thus substantially increasing the PV power generation capacity, as well as improving energy efficiency of the buildings.
Progress Summary:
The proposed program aims to fabricate ultra-thin solar cells using Cu-doped Bi2(S,Se)3 semiconductor nanocrystals and infrared-sensitive organic polymers. Solar cells will be fabricated onto plastic substrates leading to flexible and semitransparent modules. By developing lightweight, flexible, and low-cost solar technology suitable for BIPV applications, the innovation promises to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse and toxic gas emissions into the atmosphere – thus a significant leap forward toward improved sustainability resulting in economic development and meeting the goals of the people, prosperity, and the planet (P3) program. Through scientific innovation and engineering applications, this project will be a transformational model for the future research in renewable and sustainable energy technologies.
The project will contribute new knowledge to the scientific community and enrich the field of solar photovoltaics, renewable energy, and nanotechnology. This project will improve our fundamental understanding of the doping process at the nano-scale, the effects of composition variation in Bi2(S,Se)3 nanocrystals and correlate their resulting photovoltaic performance. We expect at least two journal publications and two conference presentations based on the work in Phase-II of this project. Synthesis of nanocrystals, fabrication and sophisticated electronic measurements of solar cells in this project will deeply involve students at every step. At least four undergraduate and one graduate student will directly work in this project with many high school interns involved during the summer. The participating students will gain hands-on experience in experiment design, device fabrication, electronic characterization and scientific communication. Students will instill these high-impact skills, which will facilitate their career in electrical engineering, material science, and nanotechnology related fields – thus preparing competent future engineers and researchers.
Future Activities:
In summary, the proposed project aims to develop a new class of solar cells using innovative materials system and an ultra-thin device design leading to semi-transparent and flexible solar cells. The technology will greatly increase the scope and affordability of solar installation and sustainable power generation. Consequently, it will promote conservation of energy by improving energy efficiency of the buildings. In addition, the innovation will reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and thus lower the polluting, toxic, and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel based power plants leading to reduced air pollution. By training and educating next generation of engineers and researchers, as well as engaging high-school interns, the project represents an ideal blend of scientific research, engineering design, and community engagement.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 2 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Photovoltaic technology, renewable energy, alternative energy source, nanotechnology, energy conservationProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.