Modeling Unit Cells and Layer Sequences of Solar Cell Materials using Dimpled Packaging

Contributors

Professor | Bradley University

Egg carton model of unit cell layer sequence for silicon

Summary

Trays such as those used in food packaging that contain regular arrangements of dimples can be used to represent layers of atoms in solid structures used in solar cell technology. For example, the square array of dimples in transparent plastic mini quiche trays or egg cartons can be used to depict layers within cubic or tetragonal unit cells. Multiple solid structures and ways to model those structures are described.

Keywords

Unit Cell

Solar

Solid-State Chemistry

Submitted by

Dean Campbell

Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment

N/A

Teacher Recommendations or Piloting Data (if available)

These models can complement other resources describing the structures, properties, Green Chemistry, and sustainability of solar cell materials. For example, some of the models described in this document were used as part of an outreach event at a local museum held by our Bradley University Chemistry Club. Solar energy was one of the themes of the event.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.59877/QGDX4458