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Nanoscale Phovoltaics Laboratory On a Tip

Project description

Exploring nano solutions for next-gen solar cells

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells promise cheaper and more efficient energy solutions than traditional silicon-based technology. However, they exhibit energy losses, unstable operation, and premature aging, which hinders their widespread adoption. These issues stem from complex nano- and microscale structures within the MHP materials, affecting their overall performance and stability. To tackle these challenges, the ERC-funded NanoPLOT project introduces an advanced microscopy platform. NanoPLOT will combine the lateral resolution of atomic force microscopy (AFM) with the temporal and spectral resolution of ultrafast optical spectroscopy. This will allow for unprecedented spatial and temporal analysis of MHP materials, revealing nanoscale processes and their connection to macroscopic properties. The insights will lead to more efficient MHP solar cells.

Objective

Next generation solar cells based on metal halide perovskite (MHP) materials promise cheaper and more energy-efficient photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices compared to current silicon-based technologies. To further advance MHP technology, however, will require fundamental understanding of processes leading to energy losses, unstable operation conditions and premature aging. The macroscopic properties of optoelectronic MHP devices are the result of the complicated interplay between structure and function. Thus, the key to understanding MHP materials is to look at the many nano- and microscale structures, from sub-granular twin domains, over grain boundaries and interfaces to lateral variations in crystal orientations and facets. The aim of this project is to reveal fundamental nanoscale processes and explore the connections to the macroscopic properties of MHP materials. Therefore, we will develop NanoPLOT, an innovative microscopy platform combining the lateral resolution of state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy (AFM) with the high temporal and spectral resolution of ultrafast optical spectroscopy. NanoPLOT will not only allow spatially correlated mapping of, e.g. the local electron dynamics or photoemission spectra together with the nanoscale surface photovoltage, photocurrent or ion dynamics. The most exciting possibilities will come from entirely new imaging methods based on combinations of the available scanning probe and optical methods. Using the 2-10 nm wide AFM tip, we will address and excite individual nanostructures, enabling the characterization of optoelectronic properties at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. The new experimental capabilities will enable addressing some key challenges of MHP research, such as phase segregation and degradation effects, interface heterogeneity and strain effects, enabling a deeper understanding of loss mechanisms and intrinsic instabilities that will enable more efficient and stable MHP solar cells.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2023-COG

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Host institution

UNIVERSITY OF STUTTGART
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.

€ 2 976 479,00
Address
KEPLERSTRASSE 7
70174 Stuttgart
Germany

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Region
Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart Stuttgart, Stadtkreis
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 2 976 479,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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