Project description
New low-cost solar cell technology
Solar photovoltaics (PV) is considered a scalable and technologically mature solution for renewable electricity generation. However, further reduction in the system-level cost will require lightweight, sustainable, and flexible module designs in addition to enhanced efficiency. The EU-funded SMARTCELL project will develop ultra-thin solar cells based on zinc phosphide (Zn3P2), an earth-abundant and low-cost direct bandgap semiconductor. The project will apply innovative technological solutions based on advanced nanofabrication methods for the synthesis of high quality Zn3P2 crystals. Along with optimisation of device interfaces and cell architecture, the goal is to increase PV efficiency by up to 15 % at the cell level.
Objective
Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a leading candidate for the renewable, carbon-free electricity generation with both the scalability and technological maturity to meet the ever-growing global demand for energy. While PV module costs continue to decline rapidly, further system-level cost reductions will require lightweight, sustainable, and flexible module designs that are still inaccessible with today’s mainstream technologies. SMARTCELL proposes an innovative PV technology based on zinc phosphide (Zn3P2), an earth-abundant, low-cost, direct bandgap semiconductor for development of novel ultra-thin solar cells. SMARTCELL will implement novel technological solutions based on advanced nanofabrication methods for synthesis of high crystal quality zinc phosphide, which together with design and optimization of the device interfaces and the cell architecture will lead to achievement of a challenging increase in the device efficiency of up to 15 % at the cell level. These efficiencies will allow initiating the transfer of zinc phosphide based solar cells to pre-industrial stages and give SMARTCELL the opportunity to demonstrate scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly ultrathin-film PV technology. The working principle of SMARTCELL is based on a holistic interplay between first-principle calculations, synthesis conditions, and atomic-resolution structural and electronic characterization techniques, which will allow cutting-edge engineering of absorber properties, as well as the design of the solar cell architectures. Moreover, an integrated, flexible methodology will keep this target breakthrough in sight. Finally, SMARTCELL has the potential to make a key science-based contribution to energy security, as well as improved societal perception of green energy production.
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 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electrical engineering power engineering electric power generation
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy photovoltaic
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
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.