Grantee Research Project Results
Capturing Solar Energy with Quantum Dots
EPA Grant Number: SU839964Title: Capturing Solar Energy with Quantum Dots
Investigators: Lombardini, Richard , Ramos, Sebastian Castro , Galeas, Bryan , Feagins, David , Khon, Dmitriy
Current Investigators: Lombardini, Richard , Khon, Dmitriy , Galeas, Bryan , Ramos, Sebastian Castro , Feagins, David
Institution: St Marys University
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (Extended to September 30, 2021)
Project Amount: $23,780
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2019) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality
Description:
We aim to develop a more efficient luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) using a combination of two different heavy-metal-free quantum dots (core/shell), Developing efficient LSCs provides a holistic approach towards the improvement of our coexistence with nature by positively affecting all three pillars of sustainability as highlighted in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
Objective:
We aim to develop a more efficient luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) using a combination of two different heavy-metal-free quantum dots (core/shell), InP/ZnO (IP) and CuInSexS2-x/ZnS (CISeS).Individually, these quantum dots have been engineered to be used in LSCs as fluorophores due to their absorption and emission spectra profiles. When mixed together, they may increase LSC efficiency further due to the energy exchange between dot-types known as Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET).Ultimately, we want to determine the optimal weight percentages (wt%) of each of these types of quantum dots in a mixture that will maximize energy transfer leading to an enhanced LSC efficiency.
In the short term, this project will provide state-of-the-art research opportunities for students from underserved minority groups.In the long term, this may be a crucial step in developing cost-effective solar power.Besides the obvious health benefits of cleaner air with more dependence on solar power, there is a local economic benefit to our county (Bexar).Currently, Bexar County does not meet the EPA national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).The cost of this nonattainment status could lead to the loss of billions of dollars of business in the Greater San Antonio area.More efficient LSCs could be part of the solution in reducing the impending economic loss.
Approach:
With California's forest fires making the headline in our media coverage, climate change effects are more prominent in the general public's consciousness.The pressure for power production with less of an environmental effect is placed on the scientific community with urgency.To tip the scale towards solar energy over cheap fossil fuels, more cost-effective strategies to capture solar energy is imperative. If LSCs can reach solar-to-electrical power conversion efficiencies (SEPCEs) at 10% or above (currently around 3-4%), building integrated photovoltaics can be a realizable energy source.Also, LSC development can move beyond academia and into the industrial sector.The task of research and development along with production adopted by industry will further contribute to our economy. Improvements in our environment and economy naturally lead to social benefits in the long term; although, there are direct and instant social impacts of this project within our local community.First off, this project will supply our university, a Hispanic-Service Institution (HSI), with research opportunities for our undergraduates, which has become standard in STEM postsecondary education.Second, the development of physical LSC samples could be used as demonstration pieces for the purposes of educational outreach to the public. Every semester our department hosts Fiesta of Physics which is an event geared towards inspiring local grade school students to enter into STEM fields.Our undergraduates volunteer for this event by performing the demonstrations which gives them an opportunity to positively affect a younger generation
Expected Results:
For Phase I of this project, we hope to determine the optimal wt% mixture of IP and CISeS quantum dots that will lead to greatest LSC efficiency.After successful synthesis and purification of these dots, measurements of absorption and emission spectra of the dot mixtures will be made to determine a suitable mixture ratio.FRET measurements between dot-types using Sample-Transmitted Excitation Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (STEP) developed by the Zamkov Lab at Bowling Green State University will determine optimal energy transfer conditions. In addition, classical electromagnetic theory will be used to model FRET and will be a crucial guide in determining quantum dot positioning and orientations for maximum energy transfer.We will also begin the process of making the LSCs by doping transparent polymer slabs made of P(LMA-co-EGDM) with the dot mixtures keeping careful note of the wt% of dots and matrix. Ray-tracing principles with Monte Carlo simulations can provide an estimate of the SEPCE of an LSC with these experimental parameters. The completion of Phase I will launch us into Phase II, the direct experimental measurement of SEPCE of the LSC slabs.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
energy conservation, alternative energy source, solar energy, renewable energy, photovoltaic technology, nanotechnology, computational simulations, computer modelsProgress and Final Reports:
The 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.