Descripción del proyecto
Heteroestructuras avanzadas de nanocables para dispositivos energéticos innovadores
Los nanocables semiconductores han demostrado propiedades interesantes para las tecnologías energéticas, ya que ofrecen ahorro de material, mayor eficiencia de conversión y productos innovadores. El equipo del proyecto Nano Harvest, financiado con fondos europeos, pretende explorar soluciones innovadoras para convertidores fotovoltaicos y piezoeléctricos flexibles, aprovechando los nanocables semiconductores, con especial atención a los semiconductores de III nitruro. En concreto, en el proyecto se desarrollarán nanocables con funcionalidades de control por diseño, diseñando cuidadosamente su estructura a nanoescala. En el proyecto se centrarán en el desarrollo de heteroestructuras avanzadas de nanocables, ya que son cruciales para sus objetivos. En el ámbito de la energía fotovoltaica, Nano Harvest presentará un innovador concepto de células solares flexibles basadas en nanocables incrustados en polímeros que son autónomos, lo cual permite su integración con una amplia gama de materiales de soporte, como el plástico.
Objetivo
The goal of NanoHarvest is to explore novel solutions for flexible photovoltaic and piezoelectric converters enabled by semiconductor nanowires. The first objective is to demonstrate an innovative concept of flexible solar cells based on free-standing polymer-embedded nanowires which can be applied to almost any supporting material such as plastic, metal foil or even fabrics. The second objective it to develop high-efficiency flexible and compact piezo-generators based on ordered arrays of nanowire heterostructures. The crucial ingredient - and also the common basis - of the two proposed research axes are the advanced nanowire heterostructures: we will develop nanowires with new control-by-design functionalities by engineering their structure at the nanoscale. The main focus of NanoHarvest will be on the III-nitride semiconductors, which are characterized by a strong piezoelectric response and have also demonstrated their ability for efficient photon harvesting in the blue and green parts of the solar spectrum. Our strategy is to address the physical mechanisms governing the energy conversion from the single nanowire level up to the macroscopic device level. The deep understanding gained at the nanoscale will guide the optimization of the device architecture, of the material growth and of the fabrication process. We will make use of Molecular Beam Epitaxy to achieve ultimate control over the nanowire morphology and composition and to produce control-by-design model systems for fundamental studies and for exploration of device physics. The original transfer procedure of the ordered nanowire arrays onto flexible substrates will enable lightweight flexible devices with ultimate performance, which will serve as energy harvesters for nomad applications.
Ámbito científico
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcolors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensors
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpiezoelectrics
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsenergy conversion
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-STG - Starting GrantInstitución de acogida
75794 Paris
Francia