an Alternative to Current Solar Technology Alexander Houriet - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Quantum Dot Solar Cells as an Alternative to Current Solar Technology

Alexander Houriet &Bryan Welsh

Current Solar Technology

• Silicon solar cells
• Dye-sensitized solar cells
• Maximum efficiency: 22%

Quantum Dots

• Microscopic semiconductors
• Incredibly photosensitive
• Commonly used in LCD screens

Theoretical Capabilities

• Different production processes yield

different results

• Each has its own unique strengths

and weaknesses.

• Maximum theoretical efficiency:

70.42%

• Maximum tested efficiency: ~9%

Band Alignment Engineering

• Involves tuning distance between dots
• Changing materials between dots
• Real efficiency: 8.55%
• Most durable cell
• Lasts over 150 days

Usage of Intermediate Bands

• Addition of more bands between cells
• Shortens energy gap
• Super lattice structure
• Theoretical efficiency: 70.42%

CuS Nano Peas as a counter Electrode

• Nano peas used to assist in charge transfer
• Applied as a film coating
• Theoretical efficiency:65%
• Real efficiency: 4%

Type II Quantum Dots

• Cell composition optimization
• Better voltage outputs
• Lower current density
• Theoretical efficiency: 63.2%

Environment and Ethics

• Technologies to consider
• QDSC’s
• Nuclear Power
• Fossil Fuels
• QDSC’s
• Take up less space than current solar cells
• More efficient solar farms

Nuclear

• Safety Costs
• Concern of Meltdown
• Radioactive waste production
• Location Flexibility

Fossil Fuels

• Carbon emissions and the environment
• Finite resources
• Established infrastructure
• Costs of converting to new sources

Sustainability

• High potential for efficiently powering society
• Green capabilities
• Clean
• Job creation

Our Endorsement of a Solution

• Strength in diversity
• Benefits far outweigh detriments
• Potentially a key factor in alleviating the energy crisis
• Waste-reducing alternative