Projects
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| Reference Number | EP/Z002710/1 | |
| Title | Nano-Structure to Device-Property: Enhancing Process Design for Functional Nanolayers | |
| Status | Started | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources (Solar Energy, Photovoltaics) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 50%; PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 50%; |
|
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Mr RS Bonilla No email address given Materials University of Oxford |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 01 May 2024 | |
| End Date | 30 April 2026 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £192,297 | |
| Industrial Sectors | ||
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | UKRI MSCA | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Mr RS Bonilla , Materials, University of Oxford (100.000%) |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | Improving the efficiency of Solar PV is the single most important enabler in reducing electricity costs and accelerating the deployment of this crucial renewable technology. The use of functional nanolayers in solar cells has been the single most important upgrade that enabled record-breaking efficiencies above 25%. To fully reach the potential of functional nanolayers, a physical, chemical, and mechanistic understanding of the interfaces is imperative. The recent focus on efficiency and rapid development has led to a 'trial and error' optimisation approach to improving performance, leading to a limited understanding of the underlying mechanism. This limited knowledge is constraining further enhancements of functional nanolayers, limiting the efficiency at around~26% for the last 9 years for single-junction silicon solar cell. In NanoPED, the focus is to develop an understanding of the physical structure as well as the device properties. The goal is to identify the structural changes and physical mechanisms that govern the operation of interfaces in solar cells, strategically linking the synthesis and processing to the atomic structure of functional nanolayer materials. By understanding the connection between the nanostructure and device operation, NanoPED will enable the rational design of these ground-breaking materials, providing ultimate control over the interface chemistry. Ultimately, opening a path to higher efficiencies for various solar cell structures. This will significantly reduce the price of solar energy, paving the way for accelerated adoption and delivering much-needed reductions in carbon dioxide emissions to address climate change concerns. This interdisciplinary project will build upon the fellow's strong engineering background into a high-level material science. This project will provide the fellow valuable experience and advanced expertise to pioneer new and advanced materials for optoelectronics devices | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 05/06/24 | |
