Synthesis and Characterisation of Novel Mesocrytalline Materials for Solar Energy Applications
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
Understanding and controlling the growth of mesocrystalline for novel photoactive materials.
This project aims to design new functional materials by directing the assembly of light harvesting quantum dots and n-type oxide materials to produce novel photoactive materials. Surface spectroscopic techniques will be used to investigate the interaction of bifunctional ligands with oxide and sulphide/selenide materials. Molecules which are found to bind strongly between these two types of materials will then be used as linkers to build up materials composed of regular arrays of nanocrystal materials. It is envisaged that the correct choice of ligands will allow self assembled arrays to be grown with efficient charge transfer between the quantum dot and oxide nanoparticles, producing materials with potential applications in solar energy and photocatalysis.
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This project aims to design new functional materials by directing the assembly of light harvesting quantum dots and n-type oxide materials to produce novel photoactive materials. Surface spectroscopic techniques will be used to investigate the interaction of bifunctional ligands with oxide and sulphide/selenide materials. Molecules which are found to bind strongly between these two types of materials will then be used as linkers to build up materials composed of regular arrays of nanocrystal materials. It is envisaged that the correct choice of ligands will allow self assembled arrays to be grown with efficient charge transfer between the quantum dot and oxide nanoparticles, producing materials with potential applications in solar energy and photocatalysis.
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Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Andrew THOMAS (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Rosemary Jones (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509565/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1775301 | Studentship | EP/N509565/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/07/2020 | Rosemary Jones |
| Description | Details of the electronic overlap allowing charge transfer between Titanium dioxide (rutile and Anatase) and SnS. It was confirmed Dopamine protects PbS from degradation and more insight was gained into how PbS degrades in air. The orientation of Dopamine in a Titanium dioxide surface (Anatase) has also been succesfully investigated. |
| Exploitation Route | Further development of SnS based solar cells and increasing lifespan of PbS quantum dots. |
| Sectors | Electronics,Energy,Environment |
| Description | Bluedot festival - The marvel of materials |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Demonstrated different materials science experiments in relation to energy, composites and sustainability to the public. Answered questions and talked about my experience of working in a STEM field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Presenting work at EuChemS 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented research on the band gap alignment of SnS with respect to common photovoltaic semi conductors. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |