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Spin-mediated spectral conversion for efficient photovoltaics

Project description

Optimising solar spectral conversion

Spectral conversion can be beneficial for photovoltaic solar cells since it can increase efficiency and improve performance. A solution is to broaden the part of the incident solar spectrum that solar cells can absorb efficiently. The process of spectral conversion achieves this strategy by upconverting and downconverting the light wavelengths that are otherwise lost to transmission and heat. With this in mind, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) project SpinSC will investigate the complex quantum dynamics involved in the process. The overall aim is to determine the conditions for spectral conversion to occur efficiently in molecular materials. The findings will be useful for the fabrication of spectral converters to enhance photovoltaic performance.

Objective

Improving the efficiency of photovoltaics (PV) is essential to accelerate the pursuit of carbon neutrality. As commercially available solar cells approach the 26% practical efficiency ceiling, we urgently need to find new ways to improve PV performance. A solution is to broaden the part of the incident solar spectrum that solar cells can absorb efficiently. The process of spectral conversion achieves this strategy by upconverting and downconverting the light wavelengths that are otherwise lost to transmission and heat.

The spectral conversion processes that are key for photovoltaics are mediated by the spin of excited electronic states, whose short lifetime poses a challenge to their experimental investigation. However, the achievement of efficient spectral conversion depends on our ability to understand and control the complex quantum dynamics involved in these processes, which requires advanced theoretical and experimental methods.

I have specialised in quantum system dynamics throughout my research career, becoming an expert in using analytical and numerical methods for their simulation. For my postdoctoral studies, I have undertaken an interdisciplinary path to apply my expertise to problems that I believe in having the highest urgency. I have worked on energy transport in molecular material for photovoltaics and collaborated with innovators in spectral conversion. With the same intentions, my objective is to determine the conditions for spectral conversion to occur efficiently in molecular materials.

At the University of Padua, I will learn fundamental skills necessary for this research, receiving crucial training for optimising and controlling spin-mediated spectral conversion. There, I will work with Prof. Simone Montangero, who has pioneered methods for the simulation and control of complex quantum systems. The successful outcome of this research will guide the fabrication of spectral converters, essential for enhancing photovoltaic performance.

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Topic(s)

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 188 590,08
Address
VIA 8 FEBBRAIO 2
35122 PADOVA
Italy

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Region
Nord-Est Veneto Padova
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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