Xin Zhang

Using Diatom Frustule Monolayers to Fabricate Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Diatoms are unicellular, photosynthetic algae which are ubiquitous in aquatic environments. Their unique 3-D structured silica exoskeletons, also known as frustules, has drawn attention from a variety of research fields due to their extraordinary mechanical properties, enormous surface area, and unique optical properties.

In energy applications, it has been reported that diatom frustules were coated with TiO2 nanoparticles and added in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for enhanced energy harvesting performance. In this project, we will employ vapor-liquid-solid methods to fabricate SiO2/ TiO2 nano-wire/rod structures to further enhance the light “trapping” properties of diatom frustules for potential solar energy harvesting applications.

RESEARCH GOAL
This project ultimately seeks to develop an effective and simple method to batch synthesize composite nano-materials using frustule templates, and potentially use them in dye sensitized solar cells. Various material fabrication and characterization techniques will be employed.

LEARNING GOAL
To fully understand the experimental process, the participants are expected to learn basic wet bench chemistry processing techniques, certain cleanroom fabrication techniques, as well as various micro- and nano-scale characterization techniques, and basic simulation techniques.

To learn more about Professor Zhang, visit her faculty page.