Development of Textile Based Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanorod Solar Cell

In this project I researched and developed a textile based solar cell.

Studying the potential of polymer fibers to support solar nanorods for a new clean energy source.

Objectives:



  • Study the possibility of incorporating perovskite solar cell technology into electrospun polymer fiber

  • Incorporate ZnO nanoparticle seeding into polymer precursor solution and grow active nanorod photovoltaic layer on textile

  • Study the effects of different polymer hydrophilicity on nanoparticle incorporation

  • Integrate the solar material into outerwear prototypes

-Awarded Research Grant by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists

As the need for carbon-free power becomes more and more important, solar energy is our best alternative. Perskiovite solar cells have the potential reach high efficiency, supplying 3X the energy that a common solar cell could. A textile-based solar cell with this high of an efficiency would have numerous impacts. From solar window films that could supply power for entire skyscrapers to washable solar powered electronic clothing that would required no battery.

Process:

  • Designed research project and laboratory methods

  • Secured grant funding for research

  • Tested a series of polymer precursor solutions with three different polymers: Polyurethane (PU), Polyethylene Oxide (PEO), Polyacrylate Nitrile (PAN)

  • Each Precursor solution was tested with two methods of seeding: a ZnO nanoparticle dispersion, a Zn Acetate/Ni Acetate with a Oxidation Step

  • AFM Imaging was used to examine the structure of seeding

  • Garment prototype was developed with an electrical system that could support solar textile system

  • Wrote project repots and research paper to present findings



Figure: Microscope image of trial 9: 7% PAN solution with Zinc Acetate and Nickel Acetate.

Results:

There were significant barriers with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic Zinc precursor solutions and obtaining even dispersion in the fibers. PAN was found to be a promising fiber that was strong enough to support oxidation process for seeding but development is still a long ways from a working solar cell system.


Figure: AFM imaging of trial 9: 7% PAN solution with zinc acetate and nickel acetate before calcination

Figure: Technical design of circuitry in the garment and final prototype with light system that could support a solar textile system

A prototype was constructed using a simple circuitry system in a waterproof garment to display how an solar powered electrical system could be incorporated into a functional design.

Research report available upon request.