Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | EP/E503128/1 | |
| Title | Three-dimensional nanoshere templating: A novel method for the preparation of nanostructured photovoltaics | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Photovoltaics) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr A McLachlan No email address given Materials Imperial College London |
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| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 01 October 2007 | |
| End Date | 30 September 2012 | |
| Duration | 60 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £1 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Electronics | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Physical Sciences | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Dr A McLachlan , Materials, Imperial College London (100.000%) |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | Photovoltaic (PV) devices are attractive sources of renewable energy, converting solar power into a useable electrical current. The conversion process is clean i.e. no greenhouse gasses are produced, and devices can be easily incorporated into existing technologies.The most common PV devices available currently are inorganic semiconductors, usually based on crystalline silicon, which despite being efficient (up to 15% power conversion efficiency), are expensive. More recently organic PVs which consist of organic semiconducting materials have been prepared, which typically are inefficient (<5% conversion efficiency) but are economically attractive. Light absorption in photovoltaic devices leads to the creation of electronically excited molecular states (excitons). Excitons can travel for a few tens of nanometres and if an interface is reached they will dissociate into an electron and hole, creating current. If an interface is not reached the exciton and current will be lost. The short exciton diffusion length is the principle reason for poor conversion efficiency in organic PVs. The purpose of this project is to significantly increase the efficiency of photovoltaic devices by engineering and optimising architectures and interfaces in PVs. A three-dimensional templating method will be used to produce nanostructured, interconnected structures, which will overcome material limitations and present a viable route for the formation of low cost and efficient PVs. In addition to being economically attractive the project will allow for the first time a fundamental study of the relationships between the structure, composition and conversion efficiency in these exciting materials to be conducted | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 16/11/11 | |
