| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/G070334/1 |
| Title: |
Dilute Nitride Type II Quantum Dot Materials for Solar Cells based on GaAs - Collaborative Research in Energy with South Africa |
| Principal Investigator: |
Krier, Professor A |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Physics |
| Organisation: |
Lancaster University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research |
| Starts: |
01 November 2009 |
Ends: |
31 October 2012 |
Value (£): |
401,156
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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30 Apr 2009
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Materials Prioritisation Panel
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Announced
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The development of efficient, affordable solar cells for clean energy production is a major global challenge and in this proposal we are seeking to achieve a breakthrough in the fabrication of novel quantum dot materials capable of substantially improving the performance of III-V solar cells based on GaAs. We propose a close collaborative project with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa, who have complementary expertise in photovoltaic cells, to develop and characterize hitherto unexplored GaSbN/GaNAs type-II quantum dot materials. These strain-compensated, dilute-nitride quantum dots will be implemented within the active region of prototype GaAs based solar cells to significantly extend the spectral response and improve the efficiency. This would lead to a new generation of solar cells for clean electricity generation. Feedback from device studies will provide valuable insight into the photovoltaic properties of these unique nanostructures, further aiding material optimization. The quantum dot materials that we shall develop here could either be used to increase efficiency in single junction cells, or could be incorporated into existing multi-junction cells to replace expensive Ge substrates, reduce cost and significantly increase performance. There are clear opportunities for uptake of the technology both within South Africa and the UK.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.lancs.ac.uk |