Making solar energy economical is one of the Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st century. Currently, solar energy provides less than 1 percent of the world’s total energy, but it has the potential to provide much more if lower cost devices can be produced.
This project will focus on developing printable ink-based materials called perovskites that can be deposited over large areas using low-cost solution processing methods. Perovskites have been used to achieve high efficiency solar energy devices at the laboratory scale, but there is more understanding needed to produce large-scale devices for manufacturing. The primary aim of the work is to use a Keyence laser marking tool will be used to pattern perovskite devices to create large-area modules that can produce more power. The scope of the project involves learning how to produce perovskite films/devices and then using the laser system at different parameters and designing for uniform scribes characterized with optical microscopy, contact resistance measurements, and ultimately the production of modules.
Student Qualifications: Interest in working with renewable energy materials and devices and a desire to perform research to learn more about graduate school
This project can begin in Fall 2022 on a volunteer basis (qualifying for HON 498 research credit for Barrett students) with the intention of submitting a FURI or MORE proposal for funding and continued work in Spring 2023. The desired amount of time is at least 5 hours per week, and research will take place at the ASU Research Park. A Lyft partnership allows for free rides between the Research Park and Tempe campus, and there is free parking for students who have a car.
Send resume and reason for applying to Prof. Nick Rolston: rolston.lab.asu.edu
https://sites.google.com/asu.edu/rolstongroup
