The innovation engine for new materials

Robert Johnstone

School: 

Buena High School

Grade Level: 

High School

Teaching Position: 

Chemistry, Physics, Intro to Engineering

Supervisor: 

Michael Chabinyc

Department: 

Materials

Mentor: 

Erin Perry

Research Project Year: 

2016

Research Project Title: 

Perovskite structured materials for photo- and thermo-electric applications

Research Project Description: 

Perovskite structured materials based on methyl-ammonium iodide (MAPI) have the potential to reduce the cost of solar panels while increasing their efficiency. Research facilities world-wide are working on ways to adjust/stabilize the properties of these materials to maximize their power conversion efficiency and environmental resistance.

Organo- halide perovskites are developing extraordinarily quickly over the last 4-5 years. However major barriers remain before large scale use of this technology will be feasible.

My RET1 experience involved me in two research projects, both focused on film coating methodologies related to these materials:

1)    Film forming of a more resistant “chemical cousin” to MAPI

2)    Application of a surface “dopant” material to MAPI to enhance its use in “transistor” applications

By the time of my departure I had constructed an improved functioning deposition chamber with vacuum capability, tight, closed-loop temperature control, and revised sample and source material mounting, plus design modifications specified to allow inclusion of hardware to provide accurate coating level (hardware on order). We had run a series of tests to begin to quantify the relative effects of vacuum, process time and dopant source amount. In minimal testing time for the second project we encountered initially positive results in the use of an alternate carrier solvent for coating of a potential semiconductor material under evaluation.

Curriculum Project Year: 

2017

Curriculum Project Title: 

Manufacturing Technology – Stone-age tools to 3D printing

Curriculum Project Description: 

This module has evolved to comprise approximately one half of the existing full year “Introduction to Engineering” high school science course. It represents a significant revision of the existing curriculum, which has been in place for 8-10 years. Much of the legacy material has been revised/repositioned to integrate with the new.  The overall course objective of the I/E course remains; to train high school 11/12th graders in the philosophy and tools/practices of Engineering/Applied Technology, with the goal of inspiring them to pursue a career in a related field after graduation. This curriculum revision to the I/E course is focused on the inclusion of new material covering 3D scanning & printing. This has been integrated by introducing background on the history and practice of general manufacturing methods over the history of humanity. The associated elements of computer and data processing technology, study of the techniques of CAD & CAM, plus a final Research/Engineering project focused on 3D scanning and object personalization have also been included. It is planned that the last item will provide an opportunity to also investigate the “A” (art) in the term “STEAM!” 

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