Towards More Efficient Photovoltaic Materials: Spectroelectrochemical Instrumentation to Study Photoinduced Electron and Energy Transfer

由于我们对清洁和可再生能源的需求不断增加，光伏（PV）正在成为能源方程式的关键组成部分。然而，为了减少我们对传统能源的依赖，扩大我们的太阳能市场，技术上的重大变革是必要的。效率最高的下一代光伏电池是低成本的染料敏化太阳能电池（DSSC）。染料分子是DSSC的关键组成部分，我们的研究旨在为DSSC应用设计和商业化新的有机染料和制造技术。虽然我们的项目很大程度上基于新染料的设计和合成，但物理特性不能被夸大。光谱电化学是一种通过光伏电路的许多界面来检测电子迁移率的技术。最终，从该技术中获得的信息用于提高器件/染料的稳定性和效率。除了优化这项未来技术，该仪器还可以作为培训下一代高素质个人（HQP）的平台，能够推动我们新兴的太阳能产业。这笔用于光谱电化学仪器的资金将有助于HQP的培训，并通过推进低成本光伏技术为加拿大带来好处。

Owing to our increasing demand for clean and renewable energy, photovoltaics (PV) are emerging as a critical component to the energy equation. However, in order to reduce our dependence on traditional energy sources and expand our solar market, a substantial change in technology is required. The most efficient next-generation photovoltaic cell is the low-cost dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The dye molecule is a key component in the DSSC, and our research looks to design and commercialize new organic dyes and fabrication techniques for DSSC applications. While our program is heavily based on design and synthesis of new dyes, physical characterization cannot be overstated. Spectroelectrochemistry is a technique that examines electron mobility throughout the many interfaces of the photovoltaic circuit. Ultimately, the information garnered from this technique is used to improve device/dye stability and efficiency. In addition to optimizing this future technology, this instrumentation also serves as a platform for training the next generation of highly qualified personal (HQP) capable of advancing our emerging solar industry. This funding for spectroelectrochemical instrumentation will aid in the training of HQP and provide benefit to Canada by advancing low-cost photovoltaic technology.