October 17, 2014
Using Quantum Dots to Harness the Sun
What do nanocrystals and the sun have in common? Together, they can combine the energy powering our solar system and help solve the biggest problem plaguing the 21st century. Currently, only 6% of the nation’s energy comes from renewable sources - a miserable ratio considering European countries are generating over 50% of their energy from a combination of generation methods such as wind, solar and geothermal. Quantum dots are small semiconducting nanocrystals that, due to their size, exhibit quantum mechanical properties. When integrated into flexible, affordable solar cells, they are able to convert the sun’s energy into electrical energy. Their versatility makes them an attractive alternative to heavy, inorganic materials such as silicon that is currently being used in solar panels. This summer, I worked on preparing more efficient quantum dot devices at Mount Holyoke College and discovered how quantum dots can revolutionize solar energy and help resolve the energy crisis.
Explore the MHC Social Universe >