University of Alberta researcher Jillian Buriak (center) worked with postdoctoral fellows Erik Luber (right) and Hosnay Mobarok to create nanoparticles that could lead to printable or spray-on solar cells. Photo: University of Alberta
For years, one of the greatest arguments against the implementation of solar power has been that it is expensive to harness. However, a recent discovery by Canadian researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton may prove to be a game changer.
Jillian Buriak, senior research officer of the U of A’s National Institute for Nanotechnology, led a team in discovering that materials found in the earth’s crust can be used to create inexpensive nanoparticle-based solar cells. Not only could Buriak’s discovery make solar power more affordable, it also could make solar more accessible to parts of the planet that either face high power transmission costs or are not on the traditional electricity grid.
The team discovered that phosphorus and zinc — two plentiful, natural materials — can be used to build nanoparticles that absorb light and conduct electricity. Their research, which was published in the latest issue of ACS Nano, a journal from the American Chemical Society, indicates that a low-cost mass manufacturing method would allow them to print or paint the solar cells onto surfaces. The process dissolves the particles to create an ink, then the material is processed to make a thin film that is responsive to light.
Based on the success they’ve found with their discovery, Buriak and her team have applied for a provisional patent on the process and have secured funding to allow them to take the next steps toward stepping up manufacturing.
In addition to her work with the Canadian team, Buriak is part of an international research team that includes scientists from Harvard University, the University of Toronto and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
The team is working on a global project involving next-generation solar energy technology.
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