
Aditi K. 2025 | BASIS Independent Fremont
- Project Title: The Effect of a Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dot derived form Yucca Filamentosa on the efficiency of a Dye-sensitized Solar Cell
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Ms. Nagpal
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrothermal energy can reduce fossil-fuel usage and shift society towards sustainable energy sources. Solar cells are considered one of the most reliable clean energy devices, but they must overcome toxicity and inefficiency to become widely accepted - issues that dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) can address. DSSCs utilize dyes to capture light energy, a process carbon quantum dots (CQD) can improve the efficiency of through their own absorption capabilities. In the past, I have explored the potential of utilizing carbon quantum dots derived from Yucca Filamentosa to create efficient solar cells, but ongoing research suggests that this efficiency can be increased further through functionalization. This research explores the potential of a nitrogen-functionalized CQD derived from Yucca filamentosa to improve DSSC power conversion efficiency. My methodology involves synthesizing the functionalized CQD through hydrothermal synthesis, incorporating the CQD layer into a DSSC, and using a circuit setup to measure the power conversion efficiency. Through this research, I aim to identify N-functionalization as a potential method to improve the optical properties of Yucca Filamentosa CQDs for photovoltaic applications. Observation of increased power conversion efficiency could also suggest avenues to improve the commercial viability of dye-sensitized solar cells for certain applications, increasing their adoption and contributing to a lowered carbon footprint.