CAREER:Toward robust, scalable, and non-intermittent solar power: Silicon-based multijunction devices with integrated photocatalysis

研究目标和方法：研究目标是创造一种具有集成光电化学能力的硅基多结太阳能电池器件，从而产生一种能够将阳光转化为可储存的化学能的高效、坚固、易于制造的器件。该项目将实施一种系统的器件优化方法，将模拟、器件制造和分级纳米级表征结合在一起。智能优势：该项目寻求利用硅在光伏应用中的固有优势(可靠性、可扩展性、性能、可制造性，超过60年的累积研发)，同时克服其固有缺点(高成本、低效率、间歇性)。专注于光伏领域的皮？S团队与催化专家之间的合作将确保跨学科的快速发展。将以系统的方式应对科学挑战：(1)将创造高性能的子器件(单个太阳能电池)；(2)子器件将集成到单一的高性能硅基多结电池中；(3)上述器件将与催化剂材料集成。预期的结果是一种基于硅的多结器件，能够直接将太阳能转换为燃料。广泛的影响：该项目解决了实现太阳能转换的实用规模实施的五个关键需求：低成本、高效率、非间歇性(可分派)、可扩展性和国内可制造性。与当地公司的密切互动将确保有利的技术转让和学生实习机会。推广工作将通过增加大学课程、在当地博物馆和互动网站吸引普通公众以及培养未来的思想领袖来改善太阳能教育。代表不足的少数族裔将通过积极的导师计划从事太阳能研究和工程。

Research Objectives and Approaches:The research objective is to create a silicon-based multijunction solar cell device with integrated photoelectrochemical capability, resulting in a high-efficiency, robust, and easily manufacturable device capable of converting sunlight into storable chemical energy. A systematic approach toward device optimization will be implemented, combining simulation, device fabrication, and hierarchical nanoscale characterization.Intellectual Merit:This project seeks to leverage the inherent advantages of silicon for photovoltaic applications (reliability, scalability, performance, manufacturability, over 60 years of accumulated R&D) while overcoming its inherent disadvantages (high cost, low efficiency, intermittency). Collaborations between the PI?s PV-focused group and catalysis experts will ensure rapid interdisciplinary progress. Scientific challenges will be addressed in a systematic fashion: (1) High-performance sub-devices (individual solar cells) will be created; (2) Sub-devices will be integrated into a single high-performance silicon-based multijunction cell; (3) Aforementioned devices will be integrated with catalyst materials. The envisioned result is a silicon-based multijunction device capable of direct solar-to-fuels conversion.Broader Impacts:This project addresses five critical needs enabling utility-scale implementation of solar energy conversion: low cost, high efficiency, non-intermittency (dispatchability), scalability, and domestic manufacturability. Close interaction with local companies will ensure expedient technology transfer and student internship opportunities. Outreach efforts will improve solar energy education via augmenting a university course, engaging the general public at local museums and interactive websites, and educating future thought leaders. Underrepresented minorities will be engaged in solar energy research and engineering through an active mentorship program.