A Window of Opportunity: The development of next-generation transparent photovoltaic films

通过对新材料的深入研究，光电技术（将光能转化为电能或反之亦然）的发展成为可能。无论是能够产生清洁能源的太阳能电池板，还是让世界触手可及的移动电话和平板电脑，这些技术已经改变了我们的生活。由于这些技术的商业化，它们扰乱了现有的市场，并创造了显著的经济增长。尽管加拿大拥有丰富的自然资源，但如果我们要履行在巴黎的承诺，就需要下一代光电材料。目前硅基光伏发电是最常见的太阳能转换技术，但在没有太阳直接照射的情况下（即阴天、室内、阴天等），其效率较差。为了减少我们对传统能源的依赖，技术上的另一项重大变革是必要的。下一代光电技术包括；低成本染料敏化太阳能电池（DSSC）是解决方案的一部分。这些光电器件是光学透明的（导致新的应用，包括窗户和涂料），并且在漫射光中表现优于硅基材料。在我们的研究中，我们开发了新型生物染料分子和材料，可用于创造新的光电技术，包括新型光伏技术。这项研究计划的重点是了解和开发光收集染料，并寻求增加加拿大现有技术组合的多样性，并补充我们现有的资源。此外，获得从光中提取能量的更好的基本理解，将导致其他领域的突破，包括；农业、医疗、能源储存、运动传感等。最后，这个项目将培养下一代的创新者，通过培养他们的天赋和从想法到创新的思维和心态。

The development of optoelectronic technologies (the conversion of light energy into electricity or vice versa) has ben made possible through intensive research developing new materials. Whether it be solar panels capable of producing clean energy, or mobile phones and tablets that bring the world to your fingertips, these technologies have changed our lives. As a result of their commercialization, these technologies have disrupted existing markets and have created significant economic growth. Despite, Canada being gifted with a tremendous variety of natural resources, a next-generation of optoelectronic materials is needed if we are to meet our Paris commitments. Current silicon-based photovoltaics are the most common solar energy conversion technologies, but their efficiency in the absence of direct solar irradiation (i.e. shade, indoor, overcast days, etc.) is poor. In order to reduce our dependence on traditional energy sources, another substantial change in technology is required. Next-generation optoelectronic technologies including; the low-cost dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) represent part of the solution. These photovoltaic devices are optically transparent (leading to new applications, including windows and coatings) and have been shown to out-perform silicon-based materials in diffuse light. In our research we develop novel bio-inspired dye molecules and materials that can be used to create new optoelectronic technologies, including novel photovoltaics. This proposed research program focusing on the understanding and development of light-harvesting dyes and seeks to add diversity to Canada's existing technology portfolio and complement our current resources. In addition, gaining a better fundamental understanding of extracting energy from light, will lead to breakthroughs in other areas including; agriculture, medical therapies, energy storage, motion sensing, etc. Finally, this program will develop the next generation of innovators, by developing their aptitude and their idea-to-innovation thinking and mind set.