Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
Ryerson University
$35,000.00
Organic Dye Architectures for Photovoltaic Light-Harvesting Applications
FY 2016-17
Summary
Global energy consumption is conservatively projected to expand two-fold to 30 terawatts (TW) by 2050; therefore the need for alternative energy sources is imperative. A survey of our renewable options reveals that the sun is the only viable non-carbonaceous energy source. Currently, silicon-based photovoltaics (PVs) are the most efficient solar energy conversion technologies, but they are costly. In order to expand the solar market to the TW scale, a substantial change in technology is required, including making cost-effective materials that can replace silicon. The most efficient next-generation PV cell is the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), possessing overall efficiencies exceeding 11% and low fabrication costs. In addition, the DSSC is optically transparent, and can be employed in a wide array of niche markets including photovoltaic windows and coatings. The sensitizing dye is the main component of the DSSC. While more expensive ruthenium metal-based dyes have received the majority of patent protection, metal-free organics dyes are emerging as alternatives, owing to their relatively inexpensive synthesis, and their tunable properties. Despite this tunability, the challenge with organic dyes is their long-term stability in the DSSC device. This research program looks to develop and expand the use of organic-based dyes through a series of goals and projects. Short-term goals include the development of bichromic dyes with enhanced optical properties and stability, while long-term goals include the development of DSSCs with polymer electrolytes. As a result of these program goals, the chemistry and photovoltaic community will gain significant insights into the most efficient way to collect solar energy and convert it into electricity. Through the formation of strategic partnerships within academia and with industry this research will also advance the application and commercialization of DSSC technology. Furthermore, these projects will provide valuable training for highly qualified personal who will further revolutionize our emerging solar industry. As a result, Canada and Canadian's will benefit in the form of job creation, sustainability and technological advancement.
Program
Discovery Grants Program - Individual
Recipient
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
418448-2012
Name nom
Koivisto, Bryan
Department département
Chemistry and Biology
Organization id
43
Institution établissement
Ryerson University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2016
Competition year année de concours
2012
Award amount
35000
Program id
RGPIN
Program name en
Discovery Grants Program - Individual
Program name fr
Programme de subventions à la découverte - individuelles
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
1504
Committee name en
Chemistry
Committee name fr
Chimie
Area of application code
303
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Alternative energy resources
Area of application fr
Autres ressources d'énergie
Research subject code
2303
Research subject group en
Fuel and energy technology
Research subject group fr
Combustibles et technologie de l'énergie
Research subject en
Other sources of energy (solar, wind, etc.)
Research subject fr
Autres sources d'énergie (combustibles solaire, éolien, etc).
Partie
5
Nb partie
6
Application title
Organic Dye Architectures for Photovoltaic Light-Harvesting Applications
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Global energy consumption is conservatively projected to expand two-fold to 30 terawatts (TW) by 2050; therefore the need for alternative energy sources is imperative. A survey of our renewable options reveals that the sun is the only viable non-carbonaceous energy source. Currently, silicon-based photovoltaics (PVs) are the most efficient solar energy conversion technologies, but they are costly. In order to expand the solar market to the TW scale, a substantial change in technology is required, including making cost-effective materials that can replace silicon. The most efficient next-generation PV cell is the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), possessing overall efficiencies exceeding 11% and low fabrication costs. In addition, the DSSC is optically transparent, and can be employed in a wide array of niche markets including photovoltaic windows and coatings. The sensitizing dye is the main component of the DSSC. While more expensive ruthenium metal-based dyes have received the majority of patent protection, metal-free organics dyes are emerging as alternatives, owing to their relatively inexpensive synthesis, and their tunable properties. Despite this tunability, the challenge with organic dyes is their long-term stability in the DSSC device. This research program looks to develop and expand the use of organic-based dyes through a series of goals and projects. Short-term goals include the development of bichromic dyes with enhanced optical properties and stability, while long-term goals include the development of DSSCs with polymer electrolytes. As a result of these program goals, the chemistry and photovoltaic community will gain significant insights into the most efficient way to collect solar energy and convert it into electricity. Through the formation of strategic partnerships within academia and with industry this research will also advance the application and commercialization of DSSC technology. Furthermore, these projects will provide valuable training for highly qualified personal who will further revolutionize our emerging solar industry. As a result, Canada and Canadian's will benefit in the form of job creation, sustainability and technological advancement.
