Efficient and cheap solar cells are critical to achieving sustainable energy production in the future. The development of new materials is a key driving force behind recent progress in solar cell technology. My research focuses on understanding the basic optoelectronic physics of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) for solar energy production. GNRs are ultranarrow, single-atom-thick forms of the well-known and abundant graphite. In this nanoscale form, the optical and electronic properties of graphite change drastically in ways that are very useful for harvesting solar energy. However, GNRs have yet to be explored as a possible solar cell material. Our studies will pave the way for future application of GNRs in next-generation solar cells.
Advisor: Xiaodong Xu, Physics
Kyle’s Product of Lasting Value is a Lesson on Drawing Circuits with Graphite
Read about Kyle’s research in the Xu lab in our January 2018 highlights.