Resources for Schools

Grätzel Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells

An 18 month EPSRC Partnerships for Public Engagement project was awarded to Loughborough University to inspire school students in science. The project motivation was to engage GCSE and AS/A2 Level students in an contemporary science research topic, namely Grätzel Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells.

This was approached through distributing commercial ‘Man Solar’ Grätzel solar cell kits into schools, along with support, through presentations, practical demonstrations, workshops and provision of written and internet based material. Almost 40 schools have received Grätzel solar cell kits.

Numerous Grätzel solar cell workshops have also been carried out in schools, at external outreach events and at Loughborough University during summer school, university experience days and open days.

Below is a list of support material accessible for teachers to use during using the commercial kits. It includes:
1) a presentation for teachers, which gives an introduction into Grätzel Photoelectrochemical cells,
2) easy-read manual on how to prepare your own Grätzel solar cells,
3) investigations tailored for GCSE (lower and higher tier ) and AS/A2 level school students,
4) presentations for GCSE and AS/A2 level students
5) worksheets on Grätzel solar cell mechanism and a wordsearch
6) school poster and finally
7) suppliers for purchasing the Man Solar kits and individual items.

Presentation (For Teachers)

This 30 slide presentation on Grätzel Photoelectrochemical Solar Cell: From Sunlight to Electricity will gives an introduction into the topic. The presentation covers the following areas:

- Who invented the Grätzel cell?
- What are Grätzel cells?
- What do Grätzel cells look like?
- How do Grätzel cells work?
- How to make Grätzel cells?
- Links to the GCSE National Curriculum & AS/A2level specifications

Manual – How to make your own Grätzel Solar Cells

This manual will take you through step by step on how to prepare your own Grätzel solar cells. The manual also shows how the Grätzel solar cells can be used to power a small electronic calculator. This has commonly been used for demonstrating the uses of renewable energy.