Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials for Application in Energy
Instructors: Dr. Gerko Oskam & Dr. Leonel Rodríguez Gattorno (Cinvestav-Mérida)
Duration: 4 hours
Language: English
Description
This course focuses on the use of nanomaterials for renewable energy generation, and
consists of two parts: in Part 1, we will discuss the synthesis procedures for the preparation of
nanomaterials with controlled structural, morphological and physico-chemical properties.
Specific emphasis will be on the influence of the nucleation, growth and coarsening kinetics
on the properties of nanomaterials, including detailed examples of the synthesis of metal
oxides, II-VI semiconductors and metal nanoparticles. In Part 2, we will focus on one specific
application of nanomaterials in photovoltaics: the dye-sensitized solar cell. The influence of
the nanomaterials properties on the performance of the solar cell will be highlighted, and this
part of the course includes a practical demonstration: starting with a nanomaterial paste, a
dye solution, conducting glass substrates, and sealing materials, we will fabricate a
functioning solar cell during the course, in order to illustrate the most important aspects of
the solar cell.
Content:
Specific subjects of the course include:
Part 1:
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Types of nanomaterials - metals, semiconductors, oxides
Synthesis methods - wet-chemical (sol-gel; precipitation); vapor deposition
Mechanisms of nanoparticle formation
- precursor chemistry; nucleation; growth; coarsening & aggregation
Specific systems.
Part 2:
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Construction of the dye solar cell & operational mechanisms
Materials for the dye solar cells - nanomaterials; dyes; electrolytes
Transport & recombination mechanisms and kinetics
Characterization of the performance of the dye solar cell
Demonstration of the fabrication and characterization of a dye solar cell.
Certificate:
After the course, a certificate of participation will be available.