This experiment had a hypothesis, sub-hypothesis, and engineering goal.
1) Research Hypothesis: If CuInS2 and TiO2 quantum dots are applied to the solar cell, then there will be a significant increase in power from the control.

     i.This hypothesis was developed from previous research of scientist and last year’s research project. It was found in the previous year’s project that CuInS2 quantum dots applied to solar cells showed a significant increase in the solar cell’s output voltage. The addition of TiO2 should also increase the power output, and work as an effective conjugate material with the quantum dots.

2) Sub-Hypothesis: CuInS2 4 hour trials will have the largest increase in power.

     ii. Solar cell semiconductors have a limiting band gap. They can only absorb one photon per electron of light. Quantum dots have an adjustable bandgap meaning it can absorb 3 photons per electron of light. The larger the bandgap, the more light is absorbed (Mae-Wan, 2006). Allowing the quantum dots to synthesize longer would cause the quantum dots to grow resulting in a bigger bandgap. The largest time of heat synthesis should, therefore, have the largest increase in power.



3) Engineering Goal: To optimize solar cell power while creating a cost-effective and sustainable quantum dot.
     iii. The goal is to create a solar panel design that is more cost effective while increasing the power of the solar cells. The average home consumes approximately 1,300 watts of energy per hour, requiring 7 solar panels to fuel this need. Our aim is to reduce the cost and quantity of solar panels required.