New frontiers in Photovoltaics: Materials and Technologies (2CFU)
Prof. Giulia Grancini
When: May-June
The lecture aims at illustrating the new emerging technology in the actual scenario of photovoltaic energy, presenting the current solar technologies (with plus and minus) and the new ones, also known as ” third generation photovoltaics” . Those are indeed based on organic or hybrid semiconducting thin films as active layer of the solar cell. More in detail, first the course will present the chemical properties of the materials and deposition techniques. Second, the physical properties will be discussed, in terms of the dynamical processes at the base of the light to current conversion mechanism.  In particular, the dynamics of charge generation governing the photovoltaic action will be presented, comparing the full organic, hybrid (polymer/oxide) and halide perovskite systems.  These represent indeed the three study case under investigation. Their optical and electronic properties will be also elucidated.
Finally, the whole device will be considered, showing the device physics, and describing the mechanism behind the device operation (with a detailed description of the main characteristic) and working mechanism (charge transport for instance).
A general introduction will be provided, depending on the background of the audience.
Final Exam: Oral exam on the general aspects discussed and detailed discussion on a paper from recent literature