Project description
Perovskite solar cells take a step forward towards commercialisation
Transition metal dichalcogenides are semiconductors that incorporate transition metals and chalcogens. They are a promising component for optoelectronic applications such as solar cells, photodetectors and sensing devices. However, the poor vertical conductivity of these 2D materials has limited their potential in the construction of high-efficiency stable perovskite solar cells. The EU-funded SMILIES project aims to overcome this challenge. It plans to design small molecules with improved vertical conductivity and apply them as hole-transporting materials in p-i-n perovskite solar cells. The ultimate aim is to produce perovskite solar cells with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 24 % – a significant boost in getting the technology to the commercial stage.
Objective
SMILIES is based on perovskite solar cells (PSC) employing Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) in a cutting-edge approach for the fabrication of stable and efficient PSCs. The current bottleneck are poor vertical conductivity in 2-dimenisional TMD and stability of PSCs. The research strategy to overcome such challenges are as follows: i) design, develop and optimization of quasi-3D TMD:small molecules with improved vertical conductivity and apply them as hole transporting materials in p-i-n PSCs; ii) fabricate high efficiency and stable PSCs (PCE >24%) with optimized TMDs quantum dots as top transporting materials. The project will overcome barrier to promote TMDs application in other opto-electrical devices, and will advances the commercialization of PSCs and TMDs. The expected results of the project will contribute to European excellence and competiveness in renewable energy field.
The transferable aim of SMILIES is to provide training to the fellow in the emerging field of photovoltaics and corresponding materials, where host has a critical knowledge and expertise. The training program includes knowledge acquisition and characterization of organic materials, developing quasi-3D nanocomposites and TMD quantum dots and in-stu measurement for charge dynamics of PSCs. During his short research career, the applicant has gained expertise in the field of photovoltaics and inorganic materials. To further boost his career, the applicant needs to broaden his knowledge in the field of photovoltaics, and within framework of project he will acquire expertise in the field of organic and nanocomposite materials. This will complement the existing expertise in inorganic materials. Further, the success of the project will provide more opportunity to gain supervision and teaching experience, project and intellectual property management research funding and proposal writing skills, which are critical for the applicant to secure a long-term international career and collaboration.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
48940 Leioa
Spain