The first batches of QDs prepared by the French and South African partners are suitable for integration into QDs-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystals exhibiting a tunable bandgap as a result of size and/or composition variation, and have been demonstrated to be of high interest in PV applications.
Besides, ULiege has been starting adsorption trials of QDs provided by the French partner on the TiO2 porous layers. QDs loading is at that stage very low. Higher QDs concentration and longer loading time will be investigated very soon to improve the QDs adsorption. Several scientific exchanges were held between ULiège and the Université de Lorraine on the optimization of the QDs adsorption protocol. The Moroccan partner has also optimized the HiPIMS deposition process to obtain compact TiO2 films with adequate properties for QDSSCs
In addition, Shubham SHISHODIA, PhD student recruited on the QDSOC project, participated in the thematic school « Elaboration of Nanomaterials for the recovery, conversion, transport & storage of energy » held from 22 to 25 May 2023 at Aussois (France).
QDSOC aims to find new materials and better design PV cells to make solar panels more efficient and decrease their cost for generating clean and renewable electricity. The project will develop devices that will allow not only autonomous but also decarbonated production of electricity, thus ensuring energy independence for users.
More about QDSOC: https://www.leap-re.eu/qdsoc/
