Nanocrystalline thin-film solar cells

The efficiency of perovskite-based solar cells was improved significantly in the past years. On the way towards maturity, however, some challenges remain to be mastered. Researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) seek to advance the development of perovskite solar cells. By means of special thin-film processes, for example, material consumption and costs can be reduced. An interdisciplinary team of scientists will study solutions for the production of the new photovoltaic components under the “NanoSolar” project in the next three years. thin-film solar cell In the project “NanoSolar”, KIT researchers want to specifically adjust smallest crystals of the perovskite mineral and integrate them into solar cells. (Figure: Holger Röhm) Perovskite-based solar cells experienced an unprecedented development in the past years. Within only five years, their efficiency was increased considerably. Meanwhile, they convert more than 20% of solar irradiation into electric power. Low material costs and small amounts of material required – thanks to the thin-film technology – make perovskite solar cells a promising alternative. Costs for the conversion of sunlight into electric power can be reduced. A major drawback of the technology, however, is the use of environmentally harmful lead compounds for the production of the perovskite crystals. “We are looking for a way to apply non-toxic materials ,” Dr. Alexander Colsmann says. He heads the Organic Photovoltaics Unit of the KIT Light Technology Institute (LTI). The physicist points out that perovskite solar cells might not only be suited for large-scale electricity production, but also for decentralized power supply, if sustainable and environmentally friendly production processes can be established. “Thin-film solar cells have a very homogeneous appearance and, hence, can be used as facade cladding, for instance,” Colsmann says. He emphasizes that development of environmentally friendly perovskite solar cells is not only required for sustainability reasons, but also a major prerequisite for their economic success. The project “NanoSolar – Kontrollierte Abscheidung von Nanokristallen für Perowskit-Solarzellen” (NanoSolar – Controlled Deposition of Nanocrystals for Perovskite Solar Cells) is carried out by scientists of the LTI unit of Dr. Alexander Colsmann and of the Institute for Inorganic Chemistry (unit of Professor Dr. Claus Feldmann). The interdisciplinary team consists of physicists, chemists, material scientists, and engineers. They want to specifically adjust nanoscaled crystal structures and to develop novel, environmentally friendly materials and processes for the production of perovskite and its integration into solar cells. The researchers study the complete process from the synthesis of the materials to the demonstrator module, i.e. a functioning solar cell. Similar to organic solar cells, the perovskite solar cells are produced by printing and coating processes. “NanoSolar” combines fundamental research with application-oriented science. To understand the fundamentals of the new technology, the scientists study and optimize the structure-property relationship of the materials. The “NanoSolar” project is scheduled for a duration of three years and supported with EUR 530,000 by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation under the research program "Funktionelle Oberflächen und Materialien für eine nachhaltige Energieversorgung” (Functional surfaces and materials for sustainable energy supply).
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Regulatory considerations for nanotechnology in Australia

Publication of the report Nanotechnologies for pesticides and veterinary medicines: regulatory considerations—final report (July 2015) marks the culmination of four years of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)-led research, consultation and collaboration. The report considers the benefits and challenges of regulating nanotechnology for use in agriculture and animal husbandry, as advances in nanoscale science, engineering and technology pave the way for developing novel applications, devices and systems. The report aims to inform and stimulate discussion about emerging nanotechnology and highlights the key regulatory considerations for agvet chemical nanomaterials based on the current state of knowledge. It systematically explores the opportunities and risks of these substances in Australian agriculture and animal husbandry and reviews the published work relevant to the registration of nanoscale agvet chemicals. Development of the report In October 2014, the APVMA hosted a symposium on nanotechnology regulation, seeking national and international input from industry, scientists, regulators and the broader community on developing a regulatory framework for nanotechnologies in Australian agriculture and animal husbandry. Discussion was based on the APVMA draft report Regulatory considerations for nanopesticides and veterinary medicines (October 2014), the first of its kind to be made available for public discussion. Input subsequently received was considered in finalising the report. Next steps The APVMA will now use the report to finalise the regulatory approach for nanotechnology products, including:
  • building capability and expertise so new products can be evaluated effectively
  • analysing the data requirements
  • enhancing the existing regulatory framework if required as knowledge evolves
  • continuing to engage with the international scientific community so that the latest research is being considered.
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Europeans discuss application of graphene in defence

Graphene is a new material with a wide range of extraordinary properties (lightweight, high strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, etc.). It is widely expected to lead to new and improved applications for defence. On 2 June, 25 experts from Ministries of Defence, European entities, industry and academia participated in an EDA workshop to discuss current and future areas of application of graphene in defence at the Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI in Linköping. Graphene has a wide number of potential applications interesting for defence such as advance camouflage systems and lighter or stronger protections. The objective of the workshop was to gather experts in related fields to discuss possible future defence applications and areas of applicability of graphene technologies. The discussion was focused on how to enhance composites and coatings by including graphene and on its possible use in adaptive camouflage, due to its thermal and electrical conductivity properties, and protection systems, based on its strength and low weight. The outcomes of the workshop will be further analysed to identify how graphene technology can support the EDA Capability Development Plan (CDP), taking into account the Materials & Structures CapTech Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), and if possible, to create a technology roadmap towards achieving the required maturity of graphene based applications for defence.
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