Nanocrystal-based Dyads for Solar-to-Electric Energy Conversion
David H. Waldeck, Lei Wang, and Angie Wu
Concept
This project is creating a systematic and modular approach to developing a new generation of Grätzel-inspired solar-energy conversion devices. Chemical synthesis is being used to join semiconductor nanoparticles into dyad structures that undergo charge separation upon light excitation and to manipulate the nanoparticles surface properties so that they localize at the phase boundary of organic photovoltaic materials. The proposed device architecture has two important advantages over existing solar conversion devices. First, it can be produced by a self-assembly process. Second, its modularity allows each of its components (nanoparticles or organic linker) to be optimized separately.
Application & Benefits
The semiconductor dyads being developed in this work will act as the charge separation engine in new-generation photovoltaics. These new materials have the following advantages:
- ability to capture the entire available range of solar irradiance by employing sets of linked nanoparticles,
- fabrication accessible via self-assembly, and
- enhanced robustness and lowered cost through the use of nanostructured, rather than molecular, charge transfer elements.
Technical Approach
Chemical synthesis is being used to create nanoparticle dyads with controlled electronic characteristics and surface chemistry characteristics.
Collaborations
Research Team
David H. Waldeck, Lei Wang, and Angie Wu
Faculty Collaborators
D. N. Beratan (Duke Univ.); R. Naaman (Weizmann Inst.)
Government Support
David H. Waldeck
Contact
David H. Waldeck
Professor and Chair
Department of Chemistry
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-8430
dave@pitt.edu