Characterization of Bio-inspired Photonic Crystals for Enhancing Solar Energy Conversion by Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
EMSL Project ID
25611
Abstract
Currently, there is a need for more efficient and cost-effective conversion of solar energy to electricity. The efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells is compromised by the mismatch between the bandgap of the photovoltaic materials and the broad wavelength band of natural light. We propose that bio-inspired photonic crystals have the potential to enhance the efficiency of solar energy conversion. Specifically, natural photonic crystals that are biologically fabricated by single-celled algae called diatoms may improve the ability of dye-sensitized solar cells to collect incident solar radiation. The diatoms have submicron size periodical structures. We will use single molecule spectroscopy to study the structure and local electric field distribution in the diatoms.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2007-06-01
End Date
2010-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members