[https://marketing.purdue.edu/Email/TemplateSets/ChE/Templates/Template04/Images/che-engineering-logo-400-white-text.png]<https://engineering.purdue.edu/ChE> Purdue University DAVIDSON SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE SEMINAR SERIES Dr. Caleb Miskin Winner of the 2017 Faculty Lecture Award Purdue University "Solution-processed solar cells via nanoparticle inks and molecular solutions" Tuesday, April 25, 2017 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. FRNY G140 Reception at 2:30 p.m. in Henson Atrium Abstract: To support our transition to a renewable energy economy, innovation must continue that will further drive down costs of technologies such as photovoltaics (PV). In this talk, I will present my research toward developing thin film semiconductor solar absorber materials that can be solution-processed (thereby avoiding costly, high-vacuum batch processes) toward the ultimate goal of manufacturing solar panels in a low-cost, roll-to-roll process. My research has primarily advanced two methods for solution processed PV. In one method, semiconducting nanocrystals are synthesized and then suspended in an appropriate solvent to form an ink. The ink is coated on a substrate and then annealed to form a polycrystalline absorber layer for solar energy. I will discuss my research in improving the nanocrystal synthesis method and annealing conditions leading to the fabrication of 9.0% efficient Cu¬2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells. Another promising route to thin film PV is by directly coating dissolved precursor solutions (rather than first forming nanocrystals) and annealing this coating to decompose the precursors and form the polycrystalline absorber layer. Our group has recently developed a solution chemistry using mixtures of thiols and amines that allows for the dissolution of an incredible range of precursor materials including metals, metal salts, metal chalcogenides, and elemental chalcogens (e.g. Se, Te). I will present my work in collaboration with Professor Hilkka Kenttämaa's group toward understanding the chemistry of this solvent system. Davidson School of Chemical Engineering<https://engineering.purdue.edu/ChE> Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907 (765) 494-4050<tel:+17654944050> © 2017 Purdue University<http://www.purdue.edu/purdue/disclaimer.html> All rights reserved An equal access/equal opportunity university<http://www.purdue.edu/purdue/ea_eou_statement.html>