Introduction to Semiconductors

1. Introduction to Semiconductors Adam Nielander (Slides by FadlSaadi) SEAL9/19/2015

2. CCI Solar: The story Converting the sun’s energy into chemical bonds by making molecules. Harvest energy from these molecules.  Fuels from the sun hν 2H2O 2H2+ O2

3. Semiconductor Basics

4. Semiconductor Uses

5. Semiconductor Basics

6. Semiconductor Basics Shining light on a semiconductor is like placing a ball at the top of a hill

7. Semiconductor Basics Energy from an electron in a solar cell is like that of a ball rolling down a hill. This ball could do work for us by, say, knocking over dominoes at the bottom of the hill

8. Semiconductor Basics Energy Needed to Split Water

9. Semiconductor Basics Energy Needed to Split Water The semiconductor needs to have the right bandgap (or ‘hill height’) for the reaction to take place.

10. Semiconductor Basics Energy Needed to Split Water Why not just pick a really high hill?

12. Semiconductor Basics Transition State Energy Needed to Split Water

13. Semiconductor Basics Transition State Energy Needed to Split Water

14. Semiconductor Basics Transition State Energy Needed to Split Water A catalyst helps lower the energy barrier and lets the reaction take place faster!

15. Questions?