Characterization of Zinc Oxide Quantum for the purpose of Solar Cells

Poster Number

22

Lead Author Major

Biochemistry and Chemistry

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

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Apr 30th, 1:30 AM Apr 30th, 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.