-The Art of Laying Apples- A Demonstration of Electron Transfer and Nanotechnology using Renewable Energy Jarrod G Collins Klein Forest High School Klein ISD Dr. Haiyan Wang & Dr. Xinghang Zhang Dept of Materials Science, Electrical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering

Research Objective ► Can we improve thin film quality by tuning the growth parameters to achieve an 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 substrate or a template or a template Used for energy, protection, conducting, storage Used for energy, protection, conducting, storage

Real World Applications of thin film technology Microelectronics (cpu processors, cell phones, ipod, watches) Solar Panels, Fuel Cells AR (anti-reflective coatings) On cars, jewelry, mirrors, night vision goggles Corrosion/wear/oxidation resistance On cutting tools, chemical factories Sunscreen

Background Information What 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 Information Grätzel 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 TiO 2 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 demonstrationWhy do we need to create Gratzel cells?Gratzel demonstration ► ► 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/TEKS The 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 cooling b) winter use c) the space program d) 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 outline Day 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 Dioxide identifying the conducting slide heat glass on hot plate to dry surfactant Stain Titanium Dioxide with Anthocyanins

Details of class project Carbon-coated counter electrode Assembling the Solar Cell Assemble and clamp plates Add 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 Data Anthocyanins are water-soluble flavonoid pigments present in fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and blueberries. UV-VIS spectrometer results Blackberry (peak around nm, abs = 0.546): Pomegranate-cranberry (peak at 539 with an abs of 0.35):

Sample Data DescriptionVoltage (volts)Current (microamperes) Blueberry Pomegranate/ Cranberry 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

Acknowledgements Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) Journal of Chemical Education vol. 75 No.6 Micheal Grätzel & Greg Smestad Dr. Wang and Dr. Zhang Zhenxing Bi & Joon Lee Ph.D. Candidate Steven Rios & Chenfong Tsai Ph.D. Candidate The entire E3 faculty Diane Hurtado, Ashwin Rao Especially Matthew Pariyothorn, Dr. Cheryl Page Dr. Robin Autenrieth & Dr. Arun Srinivasa Dr. Robin Autenrieth & Dr. Arun Srinivasa All of the E3 Participants, Master Teachers Guest Lecturers & IGERT students Video, pictures, & sample data Used from: Alan D. Gleue Exploratorium Teacher Institute Jill Johnson & Stephanie Chasteen Loughborough University

Any Questions?