Novel materials for photovoltaic cells for solar energy production..
Lead Researcher:Prof. Alejandro Pedro Ayala
Research Units:Laboratório de Dispositivos fotovoltaicos
Laboratório de Filmes Finos e Energia Renovável
Grupo de Química de Materiais Avançados
Laboratório de Propriedades Ópticas e elétricas de materiais
Laboratório de Materiais e Dispositivos
Laboratório de Análise de Traços
Main Objectives:
Development of Innovative Materials: The project aims to develop new MHPs with enhanced photovoltaic properties, with particular emphasis on improving their solar energy power conversion efficiency (PCE).
Development of Heterostructures: The development of heterostructures combining one or more MHPs with other materials exhibiting complementary properties will be explored, with the aim of achieving significant improvements in photovoltaic efficiency as well as introducing new functionalities.
Design and Evaluation of Solar Cells: Different solar cell architectures will be investigated based on the aforementioned heterostructures, seeking to achieve more precise control and optimized PCE.
Application in Hydrogen Production: The solar cells will be integrated with photo- or electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of water to produce green hydrogen, combining expertise with other projects within the VERDES Network.
Development of a Solar Cell Prototype: A next-generation solar cell prototype will be designed and constructed through the application of innovative techniques and advanced materials. The goal is to achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4, providing a solid foundation for other projects within the VERDES Network to progress toward more advanced stages of development.
Market Potential and Technological Development:
The results of this project have the potential to drive the development of a new generation of solar cells that is revolutionizing the way solar energy is captured and converted into electricity, bringing significant benefits to both industry and society as a whole. The project addresses challenges at the forefront of scientific knowledge and may contribute to a deeper understanding of the optoelectronic properties of MHPs. However, the most significant contribution is expected to be a substantial increase in the PCE of solar cells, resulting in more efficient energy generation.
From a market perspective, perovskite solar cells have already successfully surpassed the PCE of silicon-based solar cells, which is a remarkable achievement. Furthermore, their growth potential is evident, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% through 2030, making them a viable and potentially superior alternative to conventional solar cells across several application areas.
