Characterization of Zinc Oxide Quantum for the purpose of Solar Cells
Poster Number
22
Format
Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor Name
Ryan Moffet
Faculty Mentor Department
Chemistry
Abstract/Artist Statement
Quantum dots are nano-sized particles, which can act as semiconductors that can be used in photovoltaic devices. The wavelengths absorbed by quantum are dependent on the composition and size. A commonly used quantum dot is made from a Cadmium Selenide compound, but this system has two major issues. First CdSe is toxic. Second the production cost can be expensive which presents a major obstacle for scaling up production. The goal of this project is to characterize a cheap, non-toxic alternative to CdSe. In this experiment, Zinc Oxide, Quantum dots were synthesized and were characterized using UV/Vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV/Vis spectra shows what wavelengths of solar light are being absorbed this has a direct correlation to the size of the particles because of the quantum confinement of the excitons. When photons are absorbed excitons are created along with quasi particles called “holes”, these particles are made in pairs and require a level of confinement energy to create them. The smaller particles the stronger the confinement energy, resulting in smaller quantum dots absorbing smaller wavelengths of light. Transmission electron microscopy then confirms the morphology of the Zinc oxide particles.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Start Date
30-4-2016 1:30 AM
End Date
30-4-2016 3:30 PM
Characterization of Zinc Oxide Quantum for the purpose of Solar Cells
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom
Quantum dots are nano-sized particles, which can act as semiconductors that can be used in photovoltaic devices. The wavelengths absorbed by quantum are dependent on the composition and size. A commonly used quantum dot is made from a Cadmium Selenide compound, but this system has two major issues. First CdSe is toxic. Second the production cost can be expensive which presents a major obstacle for scaling up production. The goal of this project is to characterize a cheap, non-toxic alternative to CdSe. In this experiment, Zinc Oxide, Quantum dots were synthesized and were characterized using UV/Vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV/Vis spectra shows what wavelengths of solar light are being absorbed this has a direct correlation to the size of the particles because of the quantum confinement of the excitons. When photons are absorbed excitons are created along with quasi particles called “holes”, these particles are made in pairs and require a level of confinement energy to create them. The smaller particles the stronger the confinement energy, resulting in smaller quantum dots absorbing smaller wavelengths of light. Transmission electron microscopy then confirms the morphology of the Zinc oxide particles.