An Introduction to Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

An Introduction to Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 23rd March 2009
  • Speaker: Alastair Mailar (University of Edinburgh)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

Current solar cells are mostly based on p-n junctions of inorganic semiconductors. These cells require high purity materials rendering them financially and environmentally expensive. Photoelectrochemical cells can be made from disordered and relatively impure materials and offer the potential for cheaper and more useful solar power. Fabrication often involves solution processing of conventional soft materials. I will introduce the basic operating mechanisms of photoelectrochemical cells and what problems current research is directed towards. I will then present some provisional data from a solar cell I have built in collaboration with the School of Chemistry during my six months here and outline future directions for my research.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.