UTEP/UCSB PREM: Molecular and Interfacial Phase Design for Improved Photovoltaics

uep - ucsb PREM：下一代光伏系统的基本分子和界面设计摘要：将进行一项协同的跨学科研究方法，以促进对高效太阳能转换所必需的分子和界面结构的基本理解。在这个项目中，将创建一个创新的、以学生为中心的校际项目，称为“UTEP-UCSB PREM”，以管理参与学生的学术活动。UTEP的L. Echegoyen教授和UCSB的C. Hawker教授领导了这一机构合作伙伴关系，其中8名UTEP和8名UCSB的科学家和工程师（化学，材料，物理，电气和机械工程）以及一名来自桑迪亚国家实验室的合作研究团队，专注于太阳能光伏研究的以下关键基础方面：(1)理论计算预测机制并指导新活性化合物的设计；(2)开发下一代太阳能电池具有可调性能的高产新系统；(3)晶体工程建立结构-功能关系以提高电池效率；(4)半导体纳米晶体生长模拟以预测功能；(5)开发具有良好表征成分和结构的新型界面透明材料。建立结构-功能关系，指导下一代太阳能电池接口的设计。UCSB MRL的世界级仪器设备将促进和促进太阳能电池基础科学的探索，并为思想交流、指导和多学科培训提供独特的机会。合作团队将通过实时视频电话会议召开研究焦点小组会议，并举办由各机构主办的年度研讨会，每年循环一次。这将促进高水平的研究强度和精心策划的以学生为中心的组织环境。最终，这一研究伙伴关系将增加我们对太阳能电池基本机制的理解，并为世界下一代分散能源生产铺平道路。德克萨斯大学埃尔帕索分校（UTEP）是位于美国西南地区的一所主要研究型大学，学生中78%是西班牙裔美国人，55%是女性，其中很大一部分是低收入的第一代大学生。拟议中的uep - ucsb PREM伙伴关系将促进和加强20多名博士和30多名学士学生的参与和高级学位的获得，其中大多数将来自代表性不足的少数群体。学生将在绿色能源和可持续发展的广泛领域发展专业知识，同时在基础研究方面获得一套强大的多学科技能。参与的学生将在这两所学术机构进行这项研究，并将由来自多个学科的教师指导。还将培养初级和中期职业教师的指导。该PREM项目将使UTEP能够显著加速其作为材料研究中心的出现，并与UCSB的MRL建立长期的合作伙伴关系。在uep - ucsb PREM伙伴关系下的研究成果将在同行评议的期刊和会议上传播，并通过专门的门户网站向公众传播，并在当地K-12学校进行频繁的演讲。

UTEP-UCSB PREM: Fundamental Molecular and Interfacial Design for Next Generation Photovoltaic SystemsAbstractA synergistic interdisciplinary research approach to the advancement of the basic understanding of the molecular and interfacial structures essential for efficient solar energy conversion will be conducted. In this project, an innovative, student-centered, inter-campus program called "UTEP-UCSB PREM" will be created to manage the scholarly activities of the participating students. Prof. L. Echegoyen from UTEP and Prof. C. Hawker from UCSB lead this institutional partnership in which eight UTEP and eight UCSB scientists and engineers (chemistry, materials, physics, and electrical and mechanical engineering) and one from Sandia National Laboratories form collaborative research teams that focus on the following key fundamental aspects of solar energy photovoltaic research: (1) theoretical calculations to predict mechanisms and guide the design of new active compounds, (2) development of high-yield novel systems with tunable properties for next-generation solar cells, (3) crystal engineering to establish structure-function relationships for improved cell efficiencies, (4) semiconductor nanocrystal growth simulations to predict function, and (5) development of new interfacial transparent materials with well-characterized composition and structure, to establish structure-function relationships and guide the design of next-generation interfaces for solar cells. The world-class instrument facilities at the UCSB MRL will enable and catalyze the exploration of the basic science of solar cells and provide unique opportunities for cross-fertilization of ideas, mentoring, and multidisciplinary training. The collaborative teams will hold research-focus group meetings via real-time video teleconferencing and hold an annual symposium hosted by each institution, revolving yearly. This will foster a high-level of research intensity and a well-orchestrated student-centered organizational environment. Ultimately, this research partnership will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanism of solar cells and pave the way for the next generation of decentralized energy production in the world. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a major research university located in the Southwest region of the United States and has a student body composed of 78% Hispanic-Americans and 55% women out of which a large portion are low-income first-generation college students. The proposed UTEP-UCSB PREM partnership will promote and enhance the participation and advanced degree attainment of over 20 Ph.D. and over 30 B.S. students, most of whom will be from underrepresented minority groups. Students will develop expertise in the broad areas of green energy and sustainability while acquiring a strong set of multi-disciplinary skills in fundamental research. The participating students will carry out this research at both academic institutions and will be mentored by faculty from several disciplines. Mentoring of junior and mid-career faculty will also be fostered. This PREM program will allow UTEP to significantly accelerate its emergence as a focal center for materials research and develop a long-lasting collaborative partnership with UCSB's MRL. The research results under the UTEP-UCSB PREM partnership will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and to the public at large via a dedicated web portal and frequent presentations at local K-12 schools.