Transcript Thin Film Growth Applications

-The Art of Laying ApplesA Demonstration of Electron Transfer and
Nanotechnology using Renewable Energy
Jarrod G Collins
Klein Forest High School
Klein ISD
Dr. Haiyan Wang & Dr. Xinghang Zhang
Dept of Materials Science, Electrical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering
Research Objective
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Can we improve thin film quality by tuning the growth
parameters to achieve an ordered arrangement?
(Research Question)
Synthesis of Thin film using (PLD) (MS)
Microstructure characterization using (TEM)
Property characterization (XRD) (SEM) (VSM)
(PPMS)
► Thin
Film = A thin layer of coating on a substrate
or a template
Used for energy, protection, conducting, storage
Real World
Applications of thin
film technology
Microelectronics
(cpu processors, cell
phones, ipod, watches)
Solar Panels, Fuel Cells
AR (anti-reflective coatings)
On cars, jewelry, mirrors,
night vision goggles
Corrosion/wear/oxidation
resistance
On cutting tools, chemical
factories
Sunscreen
Background Information
What is a photovoltaic cell?
Device that can convert sunlight directly into electricity
Also called a Solar Cell
Based on using photons to separate charges
Thin-film photovoltaic cells are included in the
TIME's Best Inventions of 2008
Background Information
Grätzel cell is a type of PV cell.
How does it work? Photons strike the cell and their energy is absorbed by the fruit dye.
Electrons become excited, get free of the dye and move thru the TiO2 to produce a current.
The Cyanin dye must be attached & held to the nanoparticle TiO2 and it must be able to absorb the photons' energy.
Comparison / Contrast between DSSC and traditional silicon-based solar cell
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Advantages
Performance/Price aspect
No need for expensive equip
Functions in low light conditions
Materials are extremely low $
Disadvantages
Slightly lower efficiencies
Certain dye’s breakdown
Liquid electrolytes can leak
Nano-structured Dye Sensitized
Thin Film Solar Cell
► Grätzel
Cell fabrication related concepts
Gratzel demonstration
Why do we need to create Gratzel cells?
Biological extraction
► Chromatography
► Physical chemistry
► Spectroscopy
► Environmental Science
► Electron Transfer
► Photosynthesis
► Alternative Energy
► Nanotechnology
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Core aspect from research
The core aspect of my research project being bridged into my classroom project
is the concept of using nanotechnology to improve thin film synthesis
► We will use solution based Deposition , concepts related to PV cells & alternative energy
with an emphasis on fundamental Science
► We still study the properties & characteristics, looking at voltage, current, efficiency
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Relevant TAKS/TEKS
The relevant TAKS is objective 4 (Chemistry)
The relevant TEKS are:
5B identify and measure energy transformations and
exchanges involved in chemical reactions
8A The student knows how atoms form bonds to acquire a
stable arrangement of electrons
identify characteristics of atoms involved in chemical bonding
8C compare the arrangement of atoms in molecules, ionic crystals,
polymers, and metallic substances
10A The student knows how to identify common
oxidation-reduction reactions processes.
15A The student knows factors involved in chemical reactions
15B The student is expected to verify the law of conservation of
energy by evaluating the energy exchange that occurs as a
consequence of a chemical reaction
Pre/Post test sample questions
Solar photovoltaic cells were originally developed for:
a) desert cooling
b) winter use
c) the space program
d) brick houses
The act of applying a thin film to a surface is called:
a) Thin Film evaporation
b) Thin Film building
c) Thin Film deposition
d) Thin Film pattering
Solar cells require plenty of maintenance
T or F
How can you power your Ipod using thin film
Nano-technology & alternate energy?
Allow students to brainstorm ideas
Motivate/Encourage/Teach them to use the
Scientific Method & follow the 5E model
Guiding questions worth contemplation and exploration by the student
What effect will global warming have on my neighborhood and family?
Which energy is a safe option for our future energy needs?
How can the properties and components of matter be used to predict its behavior?
The 5 E model
Engage, Explore, Explain,
Elaborate, Evaluate
Day to Day outline
Day 1 – Lecture, Project Announcement, Reading passage
Day 2- Pre-Test, Brainstorming, Lab activity, Wordsearch
Day 3- Starboard vocab activity, groups assigned, materials presented
Day 4,5- Construction of thin film solar panel
Day 6,7- Lab testing/evaluation of finished project
Day 8 – Field testing/redesign if necessary
Day 9- Groups share results/Post test
Details of class project
Coat slides with Nano Titanium Dioxide
identifying the conducting slide
heat glass on hot plate to dry surfactant
Stain Titanium Dioxide with
Anthocyanins
Details of class project
Carbon-coated counter electrode
Assembling the Solar Cell
Assemble and clamp plates
Add triiodide solution
Field test/Re-design
Test and evaluate finished thin film solar cell
Determine output characteristics
-Activities with the Grätzel Solar Cell•
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Current and Voltage obtained with different fruit dyes
Parallel and Series Circuits with a number of solar cells
Running a small motor with a solar cell
Electrical power obtained when using different dyes
Comparision of a silicon solar cell with a Grätzel Solar Cell;
Effects of different light bulbs (halogen, colored, etc.) on the cell;
Grätzel Solar Cell powered calculator
Intensity of light vs current / voltage obtained
Sample Data
Anthocyanins are water-soluble flavonoid pigments present in fruits such as
raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
UV-VIS spectrometer results
Blackberry (peak around 539-540 nm, abs = 0.546):
Pomegranate-cranberry (peak at 539 with an abs of 0.35):
Sample Data
Description
Voltage (volts)
Current (microamperes)
Blueberry
0.340
300
Pomegranate/
Cranberry
0.337
90.8
Pomegranate/Cranberry gave less current, so it possibly has lower cyanin value
Blueberries have better results, thus probably a better dye to use.
Materials needed for classroom
Institute for Chemical Education kit for construction of solar cell
Nanocrystalline Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Kit
$45.00
The kit will allow 5 cells to be made
5 groups per class
That figures out to 1 class per kit
Why is this project relevant?
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We need to make better use of renewable resources
We need to improve thin film synthesis as it applies to
solar panels/fuel cells
Area of Science is still growing
Expose students to important interdisciplinary research
Acknowledgements
Nuclear Power Institute (NPI)
Journal of Chemical Education vol. 75 No.6
Micheal Grätzel & Greg Smestad
Dr. Wang and Dr. Zhang
Zhenxing Bi & Joon Lee Ph.D. Candidate
Steven Rios & Chenfong Tsai Ph.D. Candidate
The entire E3 faculty
Diane Hurtado, Ashwin Rao
Especially Matthew Pariyothorn, Dr. Cheryl Page
Dr. Robin Autenrieth & Dr. Arun Srinivasa
All of the E3 Participants, Master Teachers
Guest Lecturers & IGERT students
Video, pictures, & sample data
Used from:
Alan D. Gleue
Exploratorium Teacher Institute
Jill Johnson & Stephanie Chasteen
Loughborough University
Any Questions?