Alena Kharissova

Title : Synthesis of TiO2 sensitized with SnS quantum dots for application in photovoltaic devices and solar paints

Abstract:

One way to revolutionize solar energy production at scale is by reducing the manufacturing cost, complexity of manufacturing and the possibility to apply it on any shape and surface. For this purpose, quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) are good candidates to push solar cell technology in this direction using pseudo-SILAR process. In this work, pseudo-SILAR is used as a unique route to develop quantum dot (QD) sensitized via QDs deposition on titanium dioxide (TiO₂). We have successfully developed at room temperature SnS QDs without the use of heat on TiO₂ using a simple wet chemical modification of p-SILAR using 7 cycles of ultrasonication from aqueous solutions of SnCl₂ and Na₂S in different concentrations. Consequent deposition of SnS QDs was affirmed via transmission electron microscope (TEM), photoluminescence (pl) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Eventually, solar paint-based photovoltaics and photocatalysis were carried out to show the photocurrent density (JSC) of solar cells to determine the efficiency as a solar paste. In this regard, the ultimate goal of the investigation is making the filler to be added to household exterior paint that can be applied to any transparent conductive surface to turn it into the photoanode of QDSSCs. Whereas further improvements are necessary to develop strategies for scaling, this initial effort to prepare solar paint offers the advantages of simple design, abundant materials and economically viable next generation solar cells with abundant, low-cost, non-toxic, greener raw materials and highly energy efficient production process.

Audience take away:

• Novel sustainable energy efficient process to synthesize SnS quantum dots on TiO₂ without the use of heat.
• It can potentially provide a solution to new solar cell materials with abundant, low carbon and nontoxic materials.
• This is intended to be used to produce fillers by pseudo solar method for in solar paint applications.

Biography:

Alena is a PhD student at the Sustainable Chemistry department at the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL) in Mexico. Graduated with a degree in Materials Science Engineering and has over 6 years of experience working in industry R&D roles. Her work explores the synergies between natural biomaterials and nanotechnology to address important environmental issues.