MAESTRO focusses on perovskites, a material shown in the last 10 years to have revolutionised solar power with the potential to do the same for display technology. Perovskites are a class of compounds with the same crystal structure type as CaTiO3, called the perovskite structure. Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites, including Pb or Sn halides, are widely used in solar cells and light emitting diodes. Perovskite solar cells offer significant advantages: they are potentially low cost, simple to manufacture and possess exceptional optoelectronic properties leading to efficient light harvesting and emission. A schematic diagram of perovskite film fabrication by solution processing is shown in the image © Matt Klug, Oxford Photovoltaics.
An increasing number of companies, a mixture of multinationals and start-ups, is commercialising this technology, mainly in solar power but also in display technology. Despite their promise, perovskites are far from their full potential. Further progress is limited by low stability (lifetimes are much less than 25 years offered by silicon cells, the industry standard), by their environmental impact (many perovskites used in devices contain lead) and by the need to upscale their manufacture without sacrificing the high efficiency seen in the small cells made in the lab.
MAESTRO’s objective is to generate new skills, knowledge and innovation in the exploitation of perovskite materials for optoelectronics with a focus on solar power and efficient lighting. To achieve this objective an intersectoral and multidisciplinary network of 10 academic and 7 industrial partners was created with members from 9 EU and Associated countries. Early Stage researchers (ESRs) were hired by each partner. ESRs investigated means of prolonging cell lifetimes, reducing cell toxicity and upscaling manufacturing whilst maintaining the exceptionally high power efficiencies for the solar cells that have attracted worldwide attention. Exploitation was considered at all stages from laboratory to fabrication. MAESTRO’s cross sector and cross disciplinary research allowed the students to develop skills and experience, giving them a wide range of career options. Training was provided in science and technology across physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering. Transferable skills were developed in planning, teamwork, communications, information technology, organization, leadership and the skills needed for innovation, such as understanding markets, product life cycles, business models and return on investment.
Information on partners, research, training and outreach activities along with YouTube videos could be found on
https://maestro-itn.eu(opens in new window) and twitter feed @MAESTRO_ITN.
