University of Texas At Austin
Grant: $200,000 - National Science Foundation - Aug. 18, 2009
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Award Description: The Division of Chemistry supports Abraham Wolcott of the University of Texas at Austin as an American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellow. Dr. Wolcott will investigate the preparation, assembly and properties of one-dimensional type II CdSe/ZnTe semiconductor nanorods and their possible use in photovoltaic devices. Dr. Wolcott will synthesize the nanorods, align them vertically on a substrate and probe their photophysical properties with ultrafast spectroscopy techniques. Ultimately, Dr. Wolcott will use these materials to build solar cells. Dr. Wolcott will work in collaboration with scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In his plan for broadening participation, Dr. Wolcott will work with middle and high school students in the Austin metro area in hands-on projects designed to teach students about solar energy.Research like that of Dr. Wolcott is aimed at developing more efficient ways of producing solar energy -- a renewable energy source. The efforts at broadening participation being pursued by Dr. Wolcott are aimed at increasing the participation of young people from underrepresented groups in the sciences.
Project Description: The overall purpose of the project is to synthesize a novel one dimensional (1D) nanostructured material capable of efficiently harvesting photons in a photovoltaic (PV) cell. Our goal is to use quantum confined nanostructures in a functioning PV cell to increase the overall efficiency past the thermodynamic limits while lowering the cost of manufacturing. The material of interest is a type-II CdSe/ZnTe nanorod that exhibits quantum confinement effects based on its reduced dimensions. Type-II systems define a band structure wherein, electrons and holes reside spatially in different parts of the heterostructure. Characterization includes their ultrafast spectroscopic examination using photoluminescent (PL) lifetime spectroscopy, transient absorption spectroscopy, TR-SHG and PV device fabrication. The Energy, Education and Experimentation (E3) participation broadening portion of the project is in its infancy. In order to facilitate the proper program development of E3, the PI has enlisted the assistance of Mary Miller at UTeach Outreach based out of UT Austin. Their program is nationally recognized for guiding talented teachers toward the sciences in a highly productive manner. Also the UTeach program is well versed in the educational landscape of the Austin metropolitan school district, and will provide the necessary conduits to connect the E3 program to the appropriate schools. After consultation with members of the UTeach Outreach program, the educational content, general program implementation and school contact protocol will be finalized.
Jobs Summary: A POST DOC was appointed for a total of 1.0 FTE. Calculations of Number of Jobs were made using OMB guidance. (Total jobs reported: 1)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Aug. 18, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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