What the facility does
Synthesis and characterization of new materials for energy applications
Areas of expertise
The Nanomaterials for Energy lab consists of a set of tools for interdisciplinary research into novel materials for energy conversion and energy-efficient lighting. This includes synthetic laboratories for production of solution-processable materials and equipment for in-depth characterization of materials and devices. Examples of materials developed in the lab include: colloidal quantum dots, nanocrystals, perovskites, and organic semiconductors. Devices fabricated using these materials include: solar cells, light emitting devices, lasers, and sensors.
Research services
Thin film deposition, atomic layer deposition, atomic force microscopy, optoelectronic characterization
Sectors of application
- Chemical industries
- Clean technology
- Energy
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Manufacturing and processing
Specialized labs and equipment
| Name of equipment in use | Description of function |
|---|---|
| Quantum Dot Photovoltaics Lab | Synthetic space including inert atmosphere glove boxes, fume hoods, and wet benches |
| MicroFab jetlab® 4xl Inkjet Printer | Large area (21x26cm), single orifice inkjet printer. Prints arbitrary patterns with 20 um repeatability. |
| PICOSUN™ R-200 Advanced Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) System | Plasma-enhanced ALD for ultra-thin conformal coatings of oxides, sulfides, and metals. Glove box-integrated. |
| Asylum Research Cypher™ Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) | Topographic imaging. Vertical/lateral features up to 2/30 um. Nanomechanics force indentation. STM, KPFM, CAFM. |
| Newport (Oriel) QUANTX-300 | Photovoltaic quantum efficiency (EQE, IQE) measurement system. 325-1800 nm wavelength range. Voltage bias of +/-10V applicable. |
| Ultrafast transient absorption setup | Analyzing excited state dynamics. Probe 360 – 1630 nm. Pump 310 – 5000 nm. Time resolution ~350 fs. Time window 8 ns. |
| Time-correlated single photon counter | PLQY and lifetime measurements. Excitation by lamp or diode lasers. Detector range 300–2200 nm. Time resolution ~150 ps. |
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| ‘Flying saucer’ quantum dots hold secret to brighter, better lasers | http://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/flying-saucer-quantum-dots-hold-secret-brighter-better-lasers/ |
| Printable solar cells just got a little closer | http://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/printable-solar-cells-just-got-little-closer/ |