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Isoreticular Metal Phosphonates for Energy and Light

Project description

Developing new materials for more efficient solar energy conversion

Current commercially available solar cells don’t make efficient use of solar energy. To meet the EU target to increase energy efficiency by more than 32.5 % by 2030, new materials need to be developed for solar energy conversion and low-energy lighting. The challenge is to make new photovoltaics more efficient, less expensive and longer-lasting. The goal of the EU-funded IMPEL project is to develop and study new multifunctional materials that are able to act as hosts for semiconductor quantum dots and nanoparticles. It will use these materials in the manufacture and study of solar cells and light-emitting diodes. The project's results will bring us closer to meeting European and global clean energy targets.

Objective

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.

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
Net EU contribution
€ 212 933,76
Address
WULFRUNA STREET
WV1 1LY Wolverhampton
United Kingdom
Region
West Midlands (England) West Midlands Wolverhampton
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 212 933,76