Gaining Hands-On Experience with Solid-State Photovoltaics through Constructing a Novel n-Si/CuS Solar Cell

Abstract

A solid-state p–n junction photovoltaic cell can be fabricated in a common chemistry lab. It is prepared by coating a p-type copper sulfide film on an n-type silicon wafer via a simple chemical bath deposition method. The resulting p–n junction shows an obvious photovoltaic effect. This activity offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the technology of solid-state solar cells.

Fabrication and Characterization of Perovskite Solar Cells: An Integrated Laboratory Experience

“…Further, the experiment can be tailored to the level of rigor, variables of interest, and characterization instruments available in the lab setting. The following variables were tested: (a) solvent treatment, − (b) cation substitution, (c) precursor solution temperature, , and (d) percent of water added to a precursor mixture. , To monitor changes in properties of their thin films, the students performed solid-state ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and current–voltage measurements. Each student per group is responsible for film preparation, film characterization, and analysis for studying their variables.…”

“…In general, solid-state materials chemistry was recently introduced into the chemistry laboratory curriculum. 3,4 One of the core concepts of this experiment is structure−function relationships. Specifically, how does each part of the solar cell make a functional device?…”

“…To date, chemistry undergraduate laboratory experiments for solar energy conversion have implemented functionalized nanoparticles 3 and copper-sulfide-based materials. 4 One has focused on using perovskites for solar cells for general chemistry laboratory. None have focused on laboratory curriculum for upper-level chemistry courses.…”

“…This chemistry laboratory experiment involves the fabrication and characterization of lead-iodide-based perovskite (APbI 3 , A = CH 3 NH 3 + , C 2 H­(NH 2 ) 2 + ) solar cells. In general, solid-state materials chemistry was recently introduced into the chemistry laboratory curriculum. , One of the core concepts of this experiment is structure–function relationships. Specifically, how does each part of the solar cell make a functional device?…”

An Acid–Base Battery with Oxygen Electrodes: A Laboratory Demonstration of Electrochemical Power Sources

“…Electrical energy generation with fossil fuels is a major source of air pollution in the world today as it produces harmful waste like carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Clean energy conversion and storage technologies using renewable sources are therefore receiving increased attention. − However, broad application of these technologies is still limited by intermittent energy sources and costly integrated energy storage devices…”