High Performance Flexible Silicon Photovoltaics: Studies of Multifaceted Engineering Platforms Enabled with Nanophotonic Light Management and Spectral Modification

研究目标和方法本研究的目的是研究晶体硅光致发光的新方法，使显着减少活性材料以及集成模块设计，以增强光吸收。该方法是（1）制造纳米结构的单晶硅太阳能电池作为纳米器件平台，（2）将它们集成到工程发光介质中进行光谱修改，（3）实施纳米结构使能的光捕获方案以优化系统性能。柔性硅太阳能模块，显著降低材料成本。 拟议的研究将提供更深入的了解与光谱上转换和下移相关联的光学过程时，与纳米光子光捕获方案相结合，以及它们对单晶硅光伏器件的整体系统性能产生的协同效应。更广泛的影响这项研究的科学和技术进步将有助于使光伏技术与地球丰富的材料相比具有成本竞争力，为未来全球能源需求提供了切实可行的解决方案。研究生和本科生都将通过参与拟议的研究获得独特的跨学科教育经验和培训，高度鼓励代表性不足的学生参与。PI将通过南加州大学的工程多样性中心为当地社区的教育弱势K-12学生制定和实施外展计划。

Research Objectives and ApproachesThe objective of this research is to study new methods for crystalline silicon photovoltaics that allow significant reduction of active materials as well as integrated module designs for enhanced optical absorption. The approach is (1) to fabricate ultrathin, monocrystalline silicon solar cells as nanostructureddevice platforms, (2) to integrate them in engineered luminescent medium for spectral modification, and (3) to implement nanostructure-enabled light trapping schemes for optimized system performance.Intellectual MeritThe research will lead to the development of innovative materials platforms and fabrication strategies that can offer high performance, flexible silicon solar modules with significant reduction of materials cost. The proposed studies will provide deeper understanding of optical processes associated with spectral upconversion and down-shifting when combined with schemes of nanophotonic light trapping, and their resultant synergistic effects on overall system performance of ultrathin silicon photovoltaic devices.Broader ImpactScientific and technological advances from this research will contribute to the progress of making photovoltaic technologies cost-competitive with earth-abundant materials, providing a practical solution for the future global energy demand. Both graduate and undergraduate students will gain unique, interdisciplinary educational experience and training by engaging in the proposed research, where participation of students from underrepresented group will be highly encouraged. The PI will develop and conduct outreach programs for educationally-disadvantaged K-12 students in local community through the Center for Engineering Diversity at the University of Southern California.