-The Art of Laying Apples--The Art of Laying Apples-A Demonstration of Electron Transfer and A Demonstration of Electron Transfer and Nanotechnology using Renewable EnergyNanotechnology using Renewable Energy

Jarrod G CollinsKlein Forest High SchoolKlein ISDDr. Haiyan Wang & Dr. Xinghang ZhangDept of Materials Science, Electrical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering

Research ObjectiveResearch Objective► Can we improve thin film quality by tuning the growth parameters to achieve an Can we improve thin film quality by tuning the growth parameters to achieve an

ordered arrangement? (Research Question)ordered arrangement? (Research Question)

Synthesis of Thin film using (PLD) (MS)Synthesis of Thin film using (PLD) (MS)

Microstructure characterization using (TEM)Microstructure characterization using (TEM)

Property characterization (XRD) (SEM) (VSM) Property characterization (XRD) (SEM) (VSM)

(PPMS)(PPMS)

► Thin Film = A thin layer of coating on a Thin Film = A thin layer of coating on a substrate substrate

or a templateor a template Used for energy, protection, conducting, Used for energy, protection, conducting,

storagestorage

Real World Real World Applications of thin Applications of thin film technologyfilm technology

Microelectronics Microelectronics

(cpu processors, cell (cpu processors, cell phones, ipod, watches)phones, ipod, watches)

Solar Panels, Fuel CellsSolar Panels, Fuel Cells

AR (anti-reflective coatings)AR (anti-reflective coatings)

On cars, jewelry, mirrors, On cars, jewelry, mirrors, night vision gogglesnight vision goggles

Corrosion/wear/oxidation Corrosion/wear/oxidation resistanceresistance

On cutting tools, chemical On cutting tools, chemical factoriesfactories

SunscreenSunscreen

Background InformationWhat is a photovoltaic cell?

Device that can convert sunlight directly into electricity Also called a Solar Cell Based on using photons to separate charges

Thin-film photovoltaic cells are included in the TIME's Best Inventions of 2008

Background InformationGrätzel cell is a type of PV cell. How does it work? Photons strike the cell and their energy is absorbed by the fruit dye. Electrons become excited, get free of the dye and move thru the TiO2 to produce a current.The Cyanin dye must be attached & held to the nanoparticle TiO2 and it must be able to absorb the photons' energy.

Comparison / Contrast between DSSC and traditional silicon-based solar cell

Advantages Disadvantages• Performance/Price aspect Slightly lower efficiencies• No need for expensive equip Certain dye’s breakdown • Functions in low light conditions Liquid electrolytes can leak• Materials are extremely low $

Nano-structured Dye Sensitized Thin Film Solar

Cell►Grätzel Grätzel Cell fabrication related concepts Gratzel demonstration Why do we need to create Gratzel cells?

► Biological extraction► Chromatography► Physical chemistry► Spectroscopy► Environmental Science► Electron Transfer► Photosynthesis► Alternative Energy► Nanotechnology

Core aspect from research► The core aspect of my research project being bridged into my classroom

project is the concept of using nanotechnology to improve thin film synthesis► We will use solution based Deposition , concepts related to PV cells &

alternative energy with an emphasis on fundamental Science ► We still study the properties & characteristics, looking at voltage, current,

efficiency

Relevant TAKS/TEKSThe relevant TAKS is objective 4 (Chemistry)

The relevant TEKS are: 5B   identify and measure energy transformations and exchanges involved in chemical reactions

8A The student knows how atoms form bonds to acquire a stable arrangement of electrons    identify characteristics of atoms involved in chemical bonding 8C   compare the arrangement of atoms in molecules, ionic crystals, polymers, and metallic substances

10A  The student knows how to identify common oxidation-reduction reactions processes.

15A The student knows factors involved in chemical reactions

15B The student is expected to verify the law of conservation of energy by evaluating the energy exchange that occurs as a consequence of a chemical reaction

Pre/Post test sample questions

Solar photovoltaic cells were originally developed for:a) desert coolingb) winter usec) the space programd) brick houses

The act of applying a thin film to a surface is called: a) Thin Film evaporation b) Thin Film building c) Thin Film deposition d) Thin Film pattering

Solar cells require plenty of maintenance T or F

How can you power your Ipod using thin film Nano-technology & alternate

energy?

Allow students to brainstorm ideas

Motivate/Encourage/Teach them to use the Scientific Method & follow the 5E model

Guiding questions worth contemplation and exploration by the student

What effect will global warming have on my neighborhood and family?Which energy is a safe option for our future energy needs?How can the properties and components of matter be used to predict its behavior?

The 5 E model Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate

Day to Day outlineDay 1 – Lecture, Project Announcement, Reading passage

Day 2- Pre-Test, Brainstorming, Lab activity, Wordsearch

Day 3- Starboard vocab activity, groups assigned, materials presented

Day 4,5- Construction of thin film solar panel

Day 6,7- Lab testing/evaluation of finished project

Day 8 – Field testing/redesign if necessary

Day 9- Groups share results/Post test

Details of class project

Coat slides with Nano Titanium Dioxideidentifying the conducting slideheat glass on hot plate to dry surfactant

Stain Titanium Dioxide with Anthocyanins

Details of class projectCarbon-coated counter electrode

Assembling the Solar CellAssemble and clamp platesAdd triiodide solution

Field test/Re-design

Test and evaluate finished thin film solar cell

Determine output characteristics

-Activities with the Grätzel Solar Cell- • Current and Voltage obtained with different fruit dyes• Parallel and Series Circuits with a number of solar cells• Running a small motor with a solar cell • Electrical power obtained when using different dyes • Comparision of a silicon solar cell with a Grätzel Solar Cell; • Effects of different light bulbs (halogen, colored, etc.) on the cell; • Grätzel Solar Cell powered calculator• Intensity of light vs current / voltage obtained

Sample DataAnthocyanins are water-soluble flavonoid pigments present in fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

UV-VIS spectrometer resultsBlackberry (peak around 539-540 nm, abs = 0.546): Pomegranate-cranberry (peak at 539 with an abs of

0.35):

Sample DataDescription Voltage (volts) Current (microamperes)

Blueberry 0.340 300

Pomegranate/Cranberry 0.337 90.8

Pomegranate/Cranberry gave less current, so it possibly has lower cyanin value

Blueberries have better results, thus probably a better dye to use.

Materials needed for classroom

Institute for Chemical Education kit for construction of solar cell

Nanocrystalline Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Kit

$45.00

The kit will allow 5 cells to be made 5 groups per class That figures out to 1 class per kit

Why is this project relevant?► We need to make better use of renewable

resources► We need to improve thin film synthesis as it

applies to solar panels/fuel cells► Area of Science is still growing► Expose students to important interdisciplinary

research

AcknowledgementsNuclear Power Institute (NPI)Nuclear Power Institute (NPI)

Journal of Chemical Education vol. 75 No.6Journal of Chemical Education vol. 75 No.6

Micheal Grätzel & Greg SmestadMicheal Grätzel & Greg Smestad

Dr. Wang and Dr. ZhangDr. Wang and Dr. Zhang

Zhenxing Bi & Joon Lee Ph.D. CandidateZhenxing Bi & Joon Lee Ph.D. Candidate

Steven Rios & Chenfong Tsai Ph.D. CandidateSteven Rios & Chenfong Tsai Ph.D. Candidate

The entire E3 facultyThe entire E3 faculty

Diane Hurtado, Ashwin RaoDiane Hurtado, Ashwin Rao

Especially Matthew Pariyothorn, Dr. Cheryl Page Especially Matthew Pariyothorn, Dr. Cheryl Page

Dr. Robin Autenrieth & Dr. Arun SrinivasaDr. Robin Autenrieth & Dr. Arun Srinivasa

All of the E3 Participants, Master TeachersAll of the E3 Participants, Master Teachers

Guest Lecturers & IGERT students Guest Lecturers & IGERT students

Video, pictures, & sample dataUsed from:

Alan D. GleueAlan D. Gleue

Exploratorium Teacher InstituteExploratorium Teacher InstituteJill Johnson & Stephanie Chasteen

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough University

www.bath.ac.uk/powerttp/www.bath.ac.uk/powerttp/

Any Questions?Any Questions?