Objective
Research objectives and content
It is now possible to fabricate electrochemical photovoltaic devices based upon dye sensitised nanocrystalline titanium dioxide films. These novel solar cells are already in industrial production, offering the potential for a five fold drop in production costs compared to conventional silicon PV cells. The function of these composite material devices is based upon an interfacial electron transfer reaction from an optically excited dye molecule into the titanium dioxide, thus sensitising this wide bandgap semiconductor to visible light. However, lack of scientific knowledge about the electronic properties of this interface is limiting further technological development. For example, up to a two fold increase in device efficiency could be achieved by the use of sensitiser dyes with increased long wavelength absorption, but extensive empirical trials have as yet failed to identify any suitable alternative dyes. We therefore propose to conduct a systematic study of the dye sensitisation process in these devices, in order to identify those characteristics of the dye / semiconductor interface which are essential for efficient device function, and leading to the development of higher efficiency electrochemical solar cells. The sensitisation reaction occurs on ultrafast timescales, and therefore a key component of this project will be the application of ultrafast spectroscopic techniques to the elucidation of this problem. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
acquiring a working knowledge of state-of-the-art ultrafast spectroscopy theoretical and experimental understanding of photoelectrochemistry development of independent research skills
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Several European companies have expressed considerable interest in this kind of cells. In particular, this project will involve a collaboration with Johnson Matthey Ltd., U.K. concerning the development of phtalocyanines as sensisting dyes.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
SW7 2AZ LONDON
United Kingdom
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.