Polymer nanocomposites for photovoltaic cells

本提案的主要目标是开发一种低成本高性能的基于复合材料的光伏电池的新概念。为了实现这一目标，将研究由填充纳米粒子和量子点的新型聚合物基质制成的新型聚合物纳米复合材料。最终目标是控制这些纳米粒子和量子点在聚合物基质中的分散分布，以最大限度地捕获光子以及向电极转移电荷。如果实现足够高的转换效率，这种材料将广泛应用于能源生产。该项目将分为三个研究方面。第一部分将集中于聚合物基质的开发，而第二部分将主要集中在制备用作电荷转移材料的纳米材料。该项目的第三部分是对各组分进行整合，以获得最有效的光活性材料。拟议的项目将与加拿大工业合作伙伴Opsun TechnologiesInc.合作实现。这家公司非常积极地研究和开发利用光伏能源的发电系统。

The main objective of this proposal is to develop a new concept of low cost high performancenanocomposite-based photovoltaic cell. To achieve this goal, new polymer nanocomposites made of newpolymeric matrices filled with nanoparticles and quantum dots will be examined. The ultimate goal being tocontrol the dispersion-distribution of these nanoparticles and quantum dots into the polymer matrix tomaximize photon capture as well as charge transfer toward electrodes. Such material will have widespreadapplication for energy production if high enough conversion efficiency is achieved.The project will be divided in three research aspects. The first part will be centered on developing the polymermatrix, while the second will be focused essentially on the preparation of nanomaterials used as charge transfermaterials. The third part of the project is related to the integration of the components to obtain the mosteffective photoactive material.The proposed project will be realized in collaboration with a Canadian industrial partner, Opsun TechnologiesInc. This company is very active in the research and development of energy generation systems usingphotovoltaic energy.