Isoreticular Metal Phosphonates for Energy and Light

Projektbeschreibung

Entwicklung neuer Materialien für eine effizientere Umwandlung von Solarenergie

Die derzeit im Handel erhältlichen Solarzellen nutzen Solarenergie nicht effizient. Um das EU-Ziel zu erreichen, die Energieeffizienz bis 2030 um mehr als 32,5 % zu steigern, müssen neue Materialien für die Umwandlung von Solarenergie und energiesparende Beleuchtung entwickelt werden. Die Herausforderung besteht darin, neue Solarzellen effizienter, kostengünstiger und langlebiger zu machen. Ziel des EU-finanzierten Projekts IMPEL ist die Entwicklung und Untersuchung neuer multifunktionaler Materialien, die als Wirte für Halbleiter-Quantenpunkte und Nanopartikel fungieren können. Diese Materialien werden zur Herstellung und Untersuchung von Solarzellen und Leuchtdioden verwendet. Die Ergebnisse des Projekts werden uns beim Erreichen der europäischen und globalen Ziele für saubere Energie helfen.

Ziel

The amount of solar energy received onto the earth in single hour is estimated to be more than the entire annual world energy usage, but at present the implementation and efficiency commercially available of solar cells does not make adequate use of this renewable energy source. It is estimated that 10% of energy usage in the average home, and 20-40% in commercial premises. Furthermore it is predicted that the world will need 30 terawatts (TW) of energy by 2050 which must come from renewables. The EU Renewable Energy Directive in conjunction with the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive has set targets to increase energy efficiency in excess of 32.5% by 2030. In answer to these challenges there is a need to develop new materials for solar energy conversion (photovoltaics) and low energy lighting. The three key challenges in developing new photovoltaics for the conversion of solar energy to electricity are: high efficiency, low cost and long life. In this context, this project aims to develop and study of new multifunctional materials to act as hosts for semiconductor quantum dots and nanoparticles, and to use them in the manufacture and study of solar cells and LEDs. It combines the experience of the PI, Prof Gary Hix, in photonic materials and that of the fellow, Dr Konstantinos Papathanasiou in synthesis of porous materials, to deliver materials which will contribute to global and European Clean Energy objectives. The project will provide a vehicle for a two-way knowledge exchange between the host and fellow, providing the basis for a successful multidisciplinary project spanning chemistry and physics which will also generate data and outcomes that will be of interest to materials scientists and physicists and the wider scientific community in general. The training regime provided for the fellow enable him to establish himself as an independent researcher in his home country, Greece, and in the wider international scientific community.