Bernardo De Oliveira Geissmann
Mechanical engineering
Hometown: Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Graduation date: Spring 2028
GCSP research stipend | Spring 2026
Reducing Environmental Contamination and Lead Leaching for Perovskite-based Photovoltaic Panels
This research investigates improving the environmental safety and sustainability of perovskite solar cells by incorporating a lead-chelating additive into the material formulation. Perovskite photovoltaics offer a low-cost and efficient alternative to silicon but pose risks due to potential lead leakage when damaged. Building on prior work using starch-stabilized films, this study evaluates whether adding ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) reduces lead release without affecting performance. Simulated solar panel breakage is performed by submerging films in water, and lead release is quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, a highly sensitive technique that detects trace metal concentration, to assess environmental impact.
Mentor: Nick Rolston
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