SEMINAR

To expand the use of solar energy beyond traditional rooftop panels and solar fields, more advanced technologies involving novel materials and innovative fabrication techniques are necessary. One promising approach is the fabrication of high-quality semiconductor films and nanostructures using solution-based methods, which may lead to the discovery of materials with new properties and functionalities. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of our efforts to enhance the optical and electronic properties of semiconductor photoabsorbers made through solution methods. Specifically, I will discuss our strategy for developing next-generation CZTS-inspired thin film solar cells with efficiencies reaching up to 11%. Additionally, we have demonstrated that the directional growth of favorable [hk1] planes of Sb2S3 on ultrathin TiO2/CdS electron transport layers can achieve an efficiency of 9%. In the case of semi-transparent p-i-n perovskite solar cells, we have used Al-doped CuS as the hole-transporting layer, which improves charge transport and long-term device stability. I will also discuss our work in artificial photosynthesis using nanostructured metal oxides (e.g., Fe2O3, Fe2TiO5, FeVO4) and chalcogenides, with a focus on enhancing charge transport and separation efficiency through doping, surface passivation, and co-catalyst integration. Finally, I will highlight some of our recent approaches to accelerating the discovery of new catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction using high-throughput techniques.