Photovoltaics Projects
EMSL Project ID
3643
Abstract
The project is working to develop novel synthetic methodologies to synthesize and characterize nanostructured organic-inorganic semiconductor (NOIS) hybrid thin films, creating a new laboratory capability by leveraging existing expertise in mesoporous materials, molecular self-assembly and organic semiconductors, and through a collaboration with the University of Washington via the Joint Center For Nanotechnology expand that capability to include novel nanorod templating methodologies. Potential applications include high efficiency photovoltaic devices for direct, non-polluting solar to electrical power conversion, and photochemically driven charge separation used to effect chemical change at the NOIS electrode surface (e.g. splitting of water, reduction of CO2). This "green chemistry" could, in essence, amount to artificial photosynthesis. Despite these potentially lucrative applications, basic understanding and control of the physical processes of electron injection and charge transport at NOIS interfaces remain poorly understood.In many of these applications, results are limited by the achievable control of the TiO2 electrode structure, the efficiency of solar absorption of the organic dye and the speed of ionic diffusion processes from the NOIS cathode to a counter-electrode. We propose to leverage existing world-class expertise at PNNL and UW to improve both of these parameters, using surfactant-templated deposition of nanostructured ceramic thin films and self-assembled monolayers decorated with suitable metal complex dyes for efficient sensitization and interfacial charge injection. If renewed, we would use these results to seek long-term programmatic funding from the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and other relevant programs related to the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2003-06-16
End Date
2005-07-11
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator