The Nanocrystals
Optimizing Solar Energy Using CuInS2 & TiO2 Nanoparticles
A Three-Year Study
Aaron Barron and Crystal Brockington
Courtesy of popsci
Here is an image of us presenting our research at the International Sustainable World Olympiad.
This is picture of Crystal (left side, white jacket) and Aaron (right side, white shirt), presenting our research at ISWEEP.
Courtesy of popsci
Solar energy is the next step to build a sustainable environment-not just in our community, or in our Nation, but in our World.
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Did you know?
A recent study shows that current fossil fuel sources will run out within the next 2 centuries (Shafee and Topal, 2009). Looking toward alternative energy is necessary in order to maintain our current energy needs. Well, where exactly should we turn to?
The answer is solar energy.
Why? Because in the duration of just one hour, enough solar energy is given off in the duration of just one hour to power the world population in for one year. (Florida Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation, 2008). This has lead us into extensive research to try to push solar cell research. We did this by looking at different semiconducting materials: Nanofibers, Quantum Dots, and Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots. To see last year's research (Optimization of Solar Cells Using Quantum Dots and Nanofibers), click Last Year's Research on the left.
Quantum dots are miniscule semiconducting nanocrystals that have multiple exciton generation, allowing multiple electrons to be excited per photon of light. However, quantum dots contain cadmium, a harmful substance to the environment. Our project aims to provide a sustainable quantum dot solar cell, that is cost-effective and provides a good substitute for cadmium.