CX-100627 Categorical Exclusion Determination

Green, stable and earth abundant ionic PV absorbers based on chalcogenide perovskite
Award Number: DE-EE0007364
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Solar Energy Technologies Office
Date: 03/31/2016
Location(s): NY
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (SUNY) to demonstrate chalcogenide perovskite thin film solar absorbers with band gap matched to solar spectrum, high absorption coefficients, high carrier mobility and long diffusion length to enable photovoltaic (PV) devices with power conversion efficiency > 25%.

The proposed project activities would include synthesis and deposition of chalcogenide perovskite powder and thin films in the laboratory at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. The project would involve the use and handling of hazardous materials, including metal oxides and industrial solvents. All such handling would occur in-lab so the project activities that involve these materials would pose no risk to the public. All hazardous materials would be managed in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Existing University health and safety policies and procedures would be followed including employee training, proper protective equipment, engineering controls, monitoring, and internal assessments. The facilities in which lab work would occur are purpose-built for the type of activities being proposed; therefore, no adverse impacts to sensitive resources are expected as a result of the proposed project. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities would arise out of this effort. The facilities have all applicable permits in place, and would not need additional permits for the proposed activities.