Overview
Project status: In progress
The latest research at QUT into transparent solar cells that act as both windows and energy generators in houses or commercial buildings could lead to major reductions in carbon emissions from buildings.
The project is developing improved components for transparent solar cells, based on titanium dioxide sensitised with a dye to increase light absorption. The windows capture solar energy that can be used to power buildings and reduce overheating in houses, reducing the need for cooling. The project, funded by the Australian Council of Research, is focused on improving the counter-electrode in these solar cells, which is often overlooked but is critical for high performance. Dye-sensitised solar cells are one of a number of practical technologies being developed at QUT to help combat global warming and are expected to be on the market in a few years.
The project is developing improved components for transparent solar cells, based on titanium dioxide sensitised with a dye to increase light absorption. The windows capture solar energy that can be used to power buildings and reduce overheating in houses, reducing the need for cooling. The project, funded by the Australian Council of Research, is focused on improving the counter-electrode in these solar cells, which is often overlooked but is critical for high performance. Dye-sensitised solar cells are one of a number of practical technologies being developed at QUT to help combat global warming and are expected to be on the market in a few years.
- Grantor
- Australian Council of Research
- Research leader
- Organisational unit
- Lead unit Science and Engineering Faculty
Professor John BellPartnerships
DyesolPublications and output
Paulmier, Thierry C. and Bell, John M. and Fredericks, Peter M. (2008) Plasma electrolytic deposition of titanium dioxide nanorods and nano-particles. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 208(1-3). pp. 117-123Bell, John M. and Maine, Tony and Martin, Stewart and Farrell, Troy W. (2008) Extraction of Power from Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell Arrays. In: World Renewable Energy Congress X and Exhibition, 19-25 July 2008, Glasgow, Scotland.
