Super-resolution imaging of charge carrier recombination and transport in ultrathin liquid junctionphotovoltaics
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force requires on–demand, grid–independent energy solutions to enable warfighters,expand operational effectiveness, and enhance national security. Conventional photovoltaic modules are too bulky for rapid deployment to facilities in resource–scarce locations. One solution is to use photovoltaic devices made of two–dimensional (2D) semiconductor nanosheets, which represent the ultimate miniaturization limit for lightweight and portable photovoltaics. Ultrathin photovoltaic technology could transform the way the Air Force produces energy. However, there is a growing consensus in the electronics research community that surface defect sites limit the solar energy conversion efficiency of ultrathin photovoltaics.The overall objective of this research is to develop a molecular–level understanding of how defectsites impact the overall solar energy conversion efficiency of nanosheet photovoltaics. Our hypothesis is that the presence of surface defects will influence charge carrier recombination and/or transport behavior. The general approach to test this hypothesis is to image directly charge carrier recombination and transport with nanometer spatial resolution in model liquid junction photovoltaics. Specifically, the technical approach for this research is to integrate single–molecule imaging and single–nanosheet photoelectrochemical methods because (1) single–molecule methods visualize, count, and selectively probe charge carrier surface reactions with ~20 nanometer precision, and (2) single–particle photoelectrochemical methods probe photocurrent collection efficiency with ~300 nm spatial resolution.The major anticipated outcomes of this innovative research are (1) to define the surface sites that limitenergy conversion efficiency, and (2) to develop advanced imaging methods to study nanoscalephotovoltaics. The potential impact of this research is that it will lead to new design strategies forultrathin photovoltaics, light emitting diodes, etc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710255
Entities
People
- Justin B Sambur
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Colorado State University
- United States Air Force