Research

The main focus of the OKPVRI is to investigate novel materials and structures for third generation photovoltaic cells.

At the University of Tulsa (TU) we are working on three PV related projects supported by NASA-EPSCoR and ARPAE (DOE). The two NASA projects have components in which PV are incorporated into a nano battery system and algae bio reactors. PV systems developed in these projects are based on ZnO and CuO nanomaterials. Dr. Hari & Dr. Hawrylak are testing autonomous integrated PV and battery systems. The NASA–EPSCoR projects are performed in collaboration with OU and OSU. The DOE projects involving Dr. Otanicar and Dr. Hari are focused on utilizing nanoparticles for solar thermal energy. The key idea of using nanoparticle as spectrally selective absorbers for hybrid solar thermal/photovoltaic systems is investigated in the ARPA-E projects. In addition to thermal fluids, there is an active collaborative project in which quantum dots for thin film solar cells are investigated. Our applications has been highly focused on small substrates (less than 100 cm²) where a technique such as spin coating can easily be applied. In this project, we are pushing to go to much larger scales and conventional spin coating techniques will not be available. Because of this we transitioned to a blade coating technique that allows us to pursue much larger areas (larger than 1000 cm²), but required additional optimization. Research projects by Dr. LeBlanc are focused on the investigation of how electricity can be utilized to alter the physical properties of biomaterials and nanomaterials for applications ranging from alternative energy to new biosensor detection platforms.

At the University of Oklahoma (OU) the PV Materials and Devices Group (led by Dr. Ian R. Sellers) investigates the fundamental properties of new materials and systems, through various forms of optical spectroscopy, correlating this knowledge to the operation of next generation solar cell architectures. Current projects included investigation type-II quantum wells for hot carrier absorbers, quantum-dot intermediate band solar cells, and GaInNAs and GIGS solar cells, for space and building integrated applications, respectively. Bayram Saparov in the Department of Chemistry & Bio-Chemistry at OU focuses on the synthesis and characterization of compounds with potential applications in energy materials including photovoltaic (PV) and others. The Saparov-Group aims to bridge chemistry, crystallography and synthesis with physics, engineering and application of functional energy materials. Specifically, the group focuses on synthesis of novel materials (hybrid organic-inorganic materials, chalcogenides etc.), characterization of their crystal and electronic structures, and physical properties, and if warranted, their performance in actual devices (e.g., in solar cell devices). Bin Wang’s group at OU is focused on computational simulations using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics simulations of materials with an emphasis on functional materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The research goal is to understand these chemical and physical processes at the atomic scale, through which one may explain complicated experimental findings, improve and tailor materials’ properties, and make predictions of new materials with interesting functionality. Recent projects include heterogeneous catalysis, electrochemical reactions, lithium-ion batteries, optoelectronics (III-V semiconductors, MoS₂, franckeite etc.), phase-change materials (VO₂), molecular surface chemistry, and 2D materials. Many of these projects have been carried out in close collaboration with experimental groups in the US and Europe.

At Oklahoma State University (OSU) several research groups perform research on the development of PV materials. The Borunda research group uses theory and computation to investigate light-matter interactions. In particular, they have used quantum chemistry to elucidate the optical absorption of organic semiconductors. Also of interest are photo-assisted oxidation and degradation of 2D materials and Raman scattering mechanisms in those systems. Dr. Nelson on the synthesis of bioinspired organic semiconductors based on the natural pigment, Eumelanin.