Fabrication of the 3rd generation photovoltaics using TiO2 nanotubes and quantum dots

Due to depleting oil supplies and the global climate change we are compelled to seek alternative sources to supply our growing energy demand. Among green energy technologies, utilizing solar energy is the only way to address that problem, and tapping into this vast quantity of energy represents a grand challenge of scientific research and engineering. Current silicon technologies have thus far experienced limited deployment, primarily due to material costs. Developing novel methods of capturing solar energy is required. Here, semiconductor based 3^rd generation photovoltaic could double the solar cell efficiency.

The proposal describes the application of TiO₂ nanotubes and quantum dots in a novel photovoltaic device structure. The experimental works will include electroplating titanium on the surface of conductive glass using ionic liquid as an electrolyte, fabrication of TiO₂ nanotubes, and deposition of quantum dots onto the TiO₂ nanotube surface to generate so called 3^rd generation photovoltaics.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Jingxu (Jesse) Zhu

Student:

Tayirjan Isimjan

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

Western University

Program: