All Inorganic Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell Devices
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Ulster
Department Name: Nanotechnology and Adv Materials Inst
Abstract
Photovoltaic technology is critical to securing the future energy supply of UK and the exploration and development of new technologies that may significantly enhance efficiencies would be a major breakthrough for photovoltaics, for national energy strategy and provide a head-start for new UK industry.
The deployment of next generation, low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells is a multifaceted challenge that requires a multidisciplinary effort and includes fundamental physics, material synthesis/processing, process development/optimization and full device fabrication and characterization. Boosting efficiency and lowering costs can only be achieved with a full-span vision of all device-related aspects. Considerations on materials costs, availability and environmental impact are also mandatory. Current solar cell technologies all rely on fundamental physical principles that are intrinsically limiting device efficiency. In order to overcome this theoretical limit new approaches are required that exploit different physical mechanisms.
The proposed project aims to bring together advanced and novel materials with unique properties that can overcome theoretical limits. Specifically silicon-based quantum confinement and novel tuned-bandgap metal oxide semiconductors with high hole conductivity will be used to deliver the first all-inorganic bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic device capable of exploiting carrier multiplication and offering the potential of efficiencies beyond the theoretical limit of current technologies. Utilising low cost, non-degradable, non-toxic, abundant and environmentally-friendly materials as well as low cost and scalable fabrication strategies, the aim is to open up novel and transformative approaches based on nanotechnology. The proposed devices will represent at the end of the project a serious contender for future high efficiency low-cost photovoltaics with limited environmental footprint and they will open up a new era for low-cost solar energy harvesting. The proposal will bring novel elements from chemistry, nanotechnology, materials and plasmas together with device engineering, and will access expertise from world-leading groups in materials and photovoltaics.
The deployment of next generation, low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells is a multifaceted challenge that requires a multidisciplinary effort and includes fundamental physics, material synthesis/processing, process development/optimization and full device fabrication and characterization. Boosting efficiency and lowering costs can only be achieved with a full-span vision of all device-related aspects. Considerations on materials costs, availability and environmental impact are also mandatory. Current solar cell technologies all rely on fundamental physical principles that are intrinsically limiting device efficiency. In order to overcome this theoretical limit new approaches are required that exploit different physical mechanisms.
The proposed project aims to bring together advanced and novel materials with unique properties that can overcome theoretical limits. Specifically silicon-based quantum confinement and novel tuned-bandgap metal oxide semiconductors with high hole conductivity will be used to deliver the first all-inorganic bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic device capable of exploiting carrier multiplication and offering the potential of efficiencies beyond the theoretical limit of current technologies. Utilising low cost, non-degradable, non-toxic, abundant and environmentally-friendly materials as well as low cost and scalable fabrication strategies, the aim is to open up novel and transformative approaches based on nanotechnology. The proposed devices will represent at the end of the project a serious contender for future high efficiency low-cost photovoltaics with limited environmental footprint and they will open up a new era for low-cost solar energy harvesting. The proposal will bring novel elements from chemistry, nanotechnology, materials and plasmas together with device engineering, and will access expertise from world-leading groups in materials and photovoltaics.
Planned Impact
Knowledge Impact: The PI and Co-Is have an established network of academic beneficiaries which will warrant for knowledge exchange through collaborations and in a range of disciplines beyond photovoltaics (PVs) that include plasma science, materials science and engineering, photonics and biomedical engineering. Collaborations with project partners are integral components of this proposal and will directly contribute to advance our understanding of inorganic bulk heterojunction devices. In order to reach out to a wider audience of academic beneficiaries, dissemination plans are laid out for publications and participation to conferences.
Economic Impact: The economic impact of the proposed research is achieved following three different pathways towards the energy sector, plasma technologies and skills development. Sales of PV systems in the past decades have achieved a dramatic growth despite the limited degree of technological improvement. With recent increased R&D investments, this growth can be further improved with unprecedented economic impact. Nonetheless R&D must look for innovative ideas that can exploit new physical mechanisms capable of a drastic efficiency increase and especially a reduction of the associated costs. The proposed research programme is a clear step in this direction with a consequent global impact where the UK can play a considerable role. In fact, the success of this research project can lead to a solar cell technology that will be capable of attracting inward investment towards UK or to the creation of new companies. At the appropriate time, a business case will be made to warrant a successful transition from a research-based technology to an industrial reality. Technological plasmas are key enablers in a very wide range of fields that are making an indispensable contribution to the economy. The development of reliable atmospheric-pressure plasma technologies in UK will represent an important achievement with the potential of considerable wealth creation and inward investment. Finally, trained PhD students and postdoctoral researchers will become skilled experts in advanced PVs and will be in the ideal position to start-up new companies attracting inward investment.
Society: The global energy challenge relies in technological progress to improve quality of life and this is addressed by this proposal either directly or through its impacts and with the required channels to advance from science to societal benefits. Proposed PV devices offer lower cost and higher efficiency solar conversion through a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach and hence are of considerable interest to industry where this is a huge potential market. If technology is implemented there are major potential benefits for society with improved energy security and reduced global CO2 emissions. Globally low cost, efficient photovoltaics could provide as much as 5-10% of electricity production, thus if the proposed concept was to succeed and deliver its maximum potential, it would deliver benefits to industry and society. The collaborative work with the project partners will greatly contribute to international development bringing additional societal impact.
People: The research activities planned within and following this EPSRC-funded project promote collaborations with overseas institutions contributing to the education of a UK-based globally engaged scientific and engineering workforce capable of performing in an international environment for advanced technologies. The educational impact will originate also from the involvement of undergraduate and master students. The PI/Co-Is current engagements with their respective departments will lead to educate students in nanotechnology and solar cells so that future workforce generations can be prepared. Exchanges of students/researchers with project partners are planned and corresponding resources have been included in the budget.
Economic Impact: The economic impact of the proposed research is achieved following three different pathways towards the energy sector, plasma technologies and skills development. Sales of PV systems in the past decades have achieved a dramatic growth despite the limited degree of technological improvement. With recent increased R&D investments, this growth can be further improved with unprecedented economic impact. Nonetheless R&D must look for innovative ideas that can exploit new physical mechanisms capable of a drastic efficiency increase and especially a reduction of the associated costs. The proposed research programme is a clear step in this direction with a consequent global impact where the UK can play a considerable role. In fact, the success of this research project can lead to a solar cell technology that will be capable of attracting inward investment towards UK or to the creation of new companies. At the appropriate time, a business case will be made to warrant a successful transition from a research-based technology to an industrial reality. Technological plasmas are key enablers in a very wide range of fields that are making an indispensable contribution to the economy. The development of reliable atmospheric-pressure plasma technologies in UK will represent an important achievement with the potential of considerable wealth creation and inward investment. Finally, trained PhD students and postdoctoral researchers will become skilled experts in advanced PVs and will be in the ideal position to start-up new companies attracting inward investment.
Society: The global energy challenge relies in technological progress to improve quality of life and this is addressed by this proposal either directly or through its impacts and with the required channels to advance from science to societal benefits. Proposed PV devices offer lower cost and higher efficiency solar conversion through a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach and hence are of considerable interest to industry where this is a huge potential market. If technology is implemented there are major potential benefits for society with improved energy security and reduced global CO2 emissions. Globally low cost, efficient photovoltaics could provide as much as 5-10% of electricity production, thus if the proposed concept was to succeed and deliver its maximum potential, it would deliver benefits to industry and society. The collaborative work with the project partners will greatly contribute to international development bringing additional societal impact.
People: The research activities planned within and following this EPSRC-funded project promote collaborations with overseas institutions contributing to the education of a UK-based globally engaged scientific and engineering workforce capable of performing in an international environment for advanced technologies. The educational impact will originate also from the involvement of undergraduate and master students. The PI/Co-Is current engagements with their respective departments will lead to educate students in nanotechnology and solar cells so that future workforce generations can be prepared. Exchanges of students/researchers with project partners are planned and corresponding resources have been included in the budget.
Organisations
- University of Ulster (Lead Research Organisation)
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Case Western Reserve University (Collaboration)
- University of St Andrews (Collaboration)
- Arizona State University (Collaboration)
- University of Padova (Collaboration)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
- University of Bologna (Collaboration)
- Dublin City University (Collaboration)
- BRUNEL UNIVERSITY LONDON (Collaboration)
- University College Cork (Collaboration)
- Jean Lamour Institute (Collaboration)
- Ruhr University Bochum (Collaboration)
- Sasol Technology Research Laboratory (Project Partner)
- Institute of Metals Research (Project Partner)
Publications
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Dsouza S
(2021)
The importance of surface states in N-doped carbon quantum dots
in Carbon
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Askari S
(2015)
The Interplay of Quantum Confinement and Hydrogenation in Amorphous Silicon Quantum Dots.
in Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Bürkle M
(2020)
Tuning the Bandgap Character of Quantum-Confined Si-Sn Alloyed Nanocrystals
in Advanced Functional Materials
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Rocks C
(2018)
Type-I alignment in MAPbI3 based solar devices with doped-silicon nanocrystals
in Nano Energy
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Velusamy T
(2017)
Ultra-small CuO nanoparticles with tailored energy-band diagram synthesized by a hybrid plasma-liquid process
in Plasma Processes and Polymers
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Askari S
(2016)
Ultra-small photoluminescent silicon-carbide nanocrystals by atmospheric-pressure plasmas.
in Nanoscale
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Rocks C
(2017)
Understanding surface chemistry during MAPbI 3 spray deposition and its effect on photovoltaic performance
in Journal of Materials Chemistry C
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Velusamy T
(2015)
Varying Surface Chemistries for p-Doped and n-Doped Silicon Nanocrystals and Impact on Photovoltaic Devices.
in ACS applied materials & interfaces
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
McDonald C
(2017)
Zero-dimensional methylammonium iodo bismuthate solar cells and synergistic interactions with silicon nanocrystals.
in Nanoscale
Description | - we have demonstrated the possibility of producing nanoparticles using low-cost and simple processes - we are producing important information on new materials that can be used for solar cells with very high inefficiencies - we have developed a number of highly innovative and low-cost fabrication processes for next generation solar cells - we have used and tested a number of different materials that are new in the field of photovoltaics, which have shown highly promising characteristics |
Exploitation Route | - Processes developed here can be implemented for the fabrication of a range of other materials and devices in a wide range of applications - Several of the processes can be taken forward for commercialization - Some of the materials we have studied can be considered for many other applications - Device architectures can be taken forward for commercialization, in particular the one that has been patented |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Agriculture Food and Drink Electronics Energy Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | - two students were awarded their PhD; their involvement in the project has provided an excellent research framework contributing to form highly skilled workforce to develop future energy generation technologies - the PDRA hired in the project was able to greatly enhance his CV and he has now secured a research position back in his own country - a patent has been granted, currently defending the claims; currently working on commercialization strategy |
Sector | Energy,Environment,Healthcare |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic |
Description | IOP Ireland committee membership |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Description | 2015 PhD Annual Competition |
Amount | £65,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Ulster University |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2018 |
Description | Center to Center (C2C) International Collaboration on Advanced Photovoltaics: Manufacturing and Indoor Power Applications |
Amount | £300,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | USI 146 |
Organisation | Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2020 |
End | 01/2022 |
Description | DEL PhD studentship entry 2013 |
Amount | £65,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Government of Northern Ireland |
Department | Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland (DELNI) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 09/2016 |
Description | DEL PhD studentship entry 2013 |
Amount | £65,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Government of Northern Ireland |
Department | Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland (DELNI) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 10/2016 |
Description | Emergent Nanomaterials (Critical Mass Proposal) |
Amount | £491,525 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R023638/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2018 |
End | 05/2023 |
Description | General Award |
Amount | £6,167,609 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RD0714186 |
Organisation | Invest Northern Ireland |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2016 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | JSPS Invitation Fellowship |
Amount | ¥540,000 (JPY) |
Organisation | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Japan |
Start | 06/2022 |
End | 07/2022 |
Description | Manufacturing Advanced Functional Materials |
Amount | £2,811,853 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/M015211/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2015 |
End | 05/2020 |
Description | PhD Grant Support (2015) |
Amount | £65,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Ulster University |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2015 |
End | 11/2018 |
Description | PhD Studentship 2014 - 2017 |
Amount | £65,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Government of Northern Ireland |
Department | Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland (DELNI) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2014 |
End | 09/2017 |
Description | Proof of Concept |
Amount | £105,891 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PoC-608 |
Organisation | Invest Northern Ireland |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2016 |
End | 02/2018 |
Description | Research Challenge Fund |
Amount | £25,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Ulster University |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 02/2018 |
Description | Strategic Equipment |
Amount | £1,094,994 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R008841/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | SuperSolar Conference Fund |
Amount | £496 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Department | SuperSolar Hub |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2014 |
End | 05/2014 |
Description | SuperSolar Secondment |
Amount | £2,124 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Department | SuperSolar Hub |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2014 |
End | 12/2014 |
Description | SuperSolar Secondment |
Amount | £2,273 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Department | SuperSolar Hub |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2014 |
End | 07/2014 |
Description | SuperSolar Secondment |
Amount | £2,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Department | SuperSolar Hub |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2013 |
End | 10/2013 |
Description | Supergen Solar Challenge |
Amount | £419,837 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/M024938/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2015 |
End | 07/2018 |
Description | VCRS PhD studentship entry 2014 |
Amount | £65,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Ulster University |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2014 |
End | 09/2017 |
Title | APP for PV |
Description | Developed and demonstrated atmospheric pressure plasma processes for the fabrication of solar cells. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | A range of publication and conference contributions. |
Title | Silicon-based nanoparticles by atmospheric pressure plasmas |
Description | A scalable and reliable method to synthesize silicon-based nanoparticles by atmospheric pressure plasmas has been developed. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | The method will allow for easy and low cost fabrication of silicon-based nanoparticles that can be directly integrated in device fabrication processes. |
Title | Charge carrier localised in zero-dimensional (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 clusters (dataset) |
Description | |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://risweb.st-andrews.ac.uk:443/portal/en/datasets/charge-carrier-localised-in-zerodimensional-c... |
Title | Data underpinning - Macro-mesoporous resorcinol-formaldehyde polymer resins as amorphous metal-free visible light photocatalysts |
Description | |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Title | Data underpinning - Probing the Energy Levels of Perovskite Solar Cells via Kelvin Probe and UV Ambient Pressure Photoemission Spectroscopy |
Description | |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Title | Data underpinning:" Simultaneous cellulose conversion and hydrogen production assisted by cellulose decomposition under UV-light photocatalysis " |
Description | |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Title | Layered lithium niobium (III) oxide - LiNbO2 as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst for H2 evolution (dataset) |
Description | |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Title | Optoelectronic Applications of Lead Halide Perovskites (thesis data) |
Description | Data set for this thesis including the raw data for solar cell J-V curves, laser measurements (threshold, gain, loss, and profiles), resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, PLQY data, surface profilometry, absorption spectroscopy, and time resolved photoluminescence. Also included are SEM and microscope images of samples during the optimisation process. Some of the data files will need to be viewed on Origin, and the RUS data is best viewed on IGOR, but the rest of the data is in non-proprietary format. The data files are embargoed until 20/08/2019 |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Title | Probing the Structure-Property-Composition Relationship in Organic-Inorganic Tri-halide Perovskites (dataset) |
Description | |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Title | The Role of Lattice Distortion and A Site Cation in the Phase Transitions of Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskites (dataset) |
Description | |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Description | AIST |
Organisation | National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Develop nanomaterials synthesis/processing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Develop integration of nanomaterials in solar cell devices. |
Impact | A range of publications, conference participation, student and researchers training and in general progress to the development of third generation solar cells. |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Arizona State University |
Organisation | Arizona State University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Research collaboration with exchanges of staff/students. |
Collaborator Contribution | Research collaboration with exchanges of staff/students. |
Impact | Collaboration just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Bochum |
Organisation | Ruhr University Bochum |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise/training of student in nanomaterial synthesis. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise/training of students in plasma system development and diagnostics. |
Impact | A range of publication and conference contribution and general progress in plasma technology and for nanomaterial synthesis. Askari S, Mariotti D, Stehr JE, Benedikt J, Keraudy J, Helmersson U "Low-Loss and Tunable Localized Mid-Infrared Plasmons in Nanocrystals of Highly Degenerate InN" Nano Letters 18 (2018) 5681 |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Brunel-Harjit |
Organisation | Brunel University London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have produced expertise and time/resources to produce a publication. |
Collaborator Contribution | The collaborators contributed with their expertise and time to produce new results for a publications. |
Impact | Rose BAJ, Singh H, Verma N, Tassou S, Suresh S, Anantharaman N, Mariotti D, Maguire P "Investigations into nanofluids as direct solar radiation collectors" Solar Energy 147 (2017) 426 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | COST Action TD1208 |
Organisation | University of Bologna |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Within the COST-Action TD1208 we participated to workshop and lead one of the Workgroup. We have also hosted 3 researchers from partners in the network. |
Collaborator Contribution | Students/researchers from the network visited us to carry out experiments and also continued with other experiments in their own institution. |
Impact | Bruggeman P J, Mariotti D et al. "Plasma-liquid interactions: a review and roadmap" Plasma Sources Science and Technology 25 (2016) 053002 - Invited Topical Roadmap; Tarasenka N, Butsen A, Pankov V, Velusamy T, Mariotti D, Tarasenko N "Laser assisted preparation of doped ZnO nanocrystals" Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects 12 (2017) 210; Velusamy T, Liguori A, Macias-Montero M, Padmanaban DB, Carolan D, Gherardi M, Colombo V, Maguire P, Švrcek V, Mariotti D "Ultra-small CuO nanoparticles with tailored energy-band diagram synthesized by a hybrid plasma-liquid process" Plasma Processes & Polymers 14 (2017) 1600224; Tarasenka N, Stupak A, Tarasenko N, Chakrabarti S, Mariotti D "Structure and optical properties of carbon nanoparticles generated by laser treatment of graphite in liquid" ChemPhysChem 18 (2017) 1074 |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | CWRU |
Organisation | Case Western Reserve University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Development of scalable atmospheric plasma systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Testing of plasma systems for nanoparticle synthesis. |
Impact | A range of publications and conference presentation and in general progress in plasma nanomaterial synthesis. Ghosh S, Liu T, Bilici M, Cole J, Huang I-M, Staack D, Mariotti D, Sankaran R M "Atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge with capillary injection for gas-phase nanoparticle synthesis" Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics 48 (2015) 314003 - Invited Paper Chiang W-H, Mariotti D, Sankaran RM, Eden G, Ostrikov K "Microplasmas for Advanced Materials and Devices" Advanced Materials 2019, 1905508 - Invited Progress Report |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Dublin City University |
Organisation | Dublin City University |
Country | Ireland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Research collaboration with exchanges of staff/students. |
Collaborator Contribution | Research collaboration with exchanges of staff/students. |
Impact | Just started |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | JLI |
Organisation | Jean Lamour Institute |
Country | France |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Expertise in quantum dot synthesis. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in oxide and plasma-liquid synthesis. |
Impact | A range of publications and conference presentation and in general progress in plasma nanomaterial synthesis. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Organisation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Research collaboration with exchanges of staff/students. |
Collaborator Contribution | Research collaboration with exchanges of staff/students. |
Impact | Just started. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Padova-Gasperotto |
Organisation | University of Padova |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Materials characterization and device testing |
Collaborator Contribution | Sample preparation and application testing |
Impact | Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Carraro G, Sada C, Lavrencic Stangar U, Alessi B, Rocks C, Mariotti D, La Porta A, Altantzis T, Barreca D "Surface functionalization of grown-on-tip ZnO nanopyramids: from fabrication to light-triggered applications" ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 11 (2019) 15881 Barreca D, Gri F, Gasparotto A, Carraro G, Bigiani L, Altantzis T, Žener B, Lavrencic Štangar U, Alessi B, Padmanaban DB, Mariotti D, Maccato C "Multi-functional MnO2 nanomaterials for photoactivated applications by a plasma-assisted fabrication route" Nanoscale 11 (2019) 98 |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Tyndall Institute |
Organisation | University College Cork |
Department | Tyndall National Institute |
Country | Ireland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaborative research activities |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research activities |
Impact | Research collaboration |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | University of St. Andrews |
Organisation | University of St Andrews |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Research collaboration |
Collaborator Contribution | Research collaboration |
Impact | Khalid H, Haq AU, Alessi B, Wu J, Savaniu CD, Kousi K, Metcalfe IS, Parker SC, Irvine JTS, Maguire P, Papaioannou EI, Mariotti D "Rapid Plasma Exsolution from an A-site Deficient Perovskite Oxide at Room Temperature" Advanced Energy Materials 12 (2022) 2201131 |
Start Year | 2013 |
Title | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING NANOSCALE MATERIALS |
Description | A method of producing nanoscale materials comprising the steps of entraining liquid droplets containing at least one nanoparticle precursor within a gaseous stream, and passing said gaseous stream containing said liquid droplets through a non-thermal equilibrium plasma whereby said plasma interacts with said at least one nanoparticle precursor to produce nanoparticles within said droplets without substantial evaporation of the droplets and conveying the thus produced nanoparticles within said gaseous stream downstream of said plasma. |
IP Reference | US2019358708 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
Impact | 2017-01-26 Priority to GBGB1701292.3A 2017-01-26 Priority to GB1701292.3 2018-01-22 Application filed by Ulster University 2018-01-22 Priority to PCT/EP2018/051424 |
Title | Type-I Solar Cell Device |
Description | A new type of photovoltaic device has been proposed where transport and carrier generation requirements can be de-coupled. |
IP Reference | GB1513366.3 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Initial funding was received to develop further and commercialize the idea, currently in the progress of securing further funding. |
Description | 20th International School Master Class on Low-Temperature Plasma Physics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation (60 min + 15) to postgraduate students at the annual international Low Temperature Plasma Physics School in Bad Honnef, Germany. The school is residential and detailed discussions with students and groups are carried out during the residential stay. The Master Class series outlines new research directions based on the techncial aspects of the curriculum. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.plasma-school.org/ |
Description | PV in EEE107 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | About 50 students participated in a lab-based experience in photovoltaics with mixed teaching approaches to verify the impact of the different methodologies. A direct impact was evaluated with questionnaires to assess the progress of the students; future impact will be assessed in the years to come. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |