Energy Materials - Flexible Photovoltaics for Ambient IoT applications
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Sch of Natural & Environmental Sciences
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| Marina Freitag (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | Development of Flexible Photovoltaic Devices: The core achievement of this collaboration has been the development of innovative flexible photovoltaic devices that are based on coordination compounds. These devices are designed to be efficient in ambient light conditions, making them suitable for powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a variety of environments, including indoor settings. The use of coordination compounds in PV devices is a novel approach that potentially offers enhanced stability and performance compared to traditional materials. Integration of EPFL's Flash Infrared Annealing Technology: A significant methodological advancement has been the integration of EPFL's Flash Infrared Annealing technology in the fabrication process of these photovoltaic devices. This technology enables the rapid annealing of semiconductor metal oxides on flexible substrates, a crucial step in the production of the flexible PV devices. The ability to conduct this process quickly and efficiently is vital for scaling up the production and application of these materials in real-world settings. Cross-disciplinary Training and Skill Development: Researchers from Dr. Freitag's team were trained at EPFL in the use of the Flash Infrared Annealing system, acquiring skills that are critical for the advancement of their research in flexible photovoltaics. This cross-disciplinary training has not only enhanced the expertise within Dr. Freitag's team but also fostered a deeper level of collaboration between the two research groups. New Research Directions and Collaborations: The partnership has catalyzed new research directions, particularly in the exploration of coordination compounds for energy materials. The collaboration has established a strong foundation for ongoing research, evidenced by the joint application for a European Horizon grant and the preparation of two research manuscripts. These endeavors signify the potential for future innovations and applications in the field of photovoltaics and energy materials. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes from the UKRI SNSF Partnering Award funding, specifically the advancements in flexible photovoltaics using coordination compounds, hold promise for future applications across various sectors. In academia, researchers can build upon these findings to explore further enhancements in photovoltaic materials and their applications in ambient light, potentially expanding into broader types of energy-harvesting technologies. This research can enrich academic curricula and inspire further interdisciplinary collaborations. In the non-academic realm, industries focused on sustainable energy solutions and IoT device manufacturers might utilize these flexible photovoltaic technologies to develop new or improved products that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Such advancements could revolutionize power sources for IoT devices, making them more self-sufficient and sustainable. Given that the research papers detailing these findings have been submitted but not yet published, it is early to gauge the full spectrum of their impact. However, once published, these papers could guide both academic and industry stakeholders in leveraging the research outcomes for innovation and development in energy materials and IoT technologies. |
| Sectors | Chemicals Electronics Energy |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof. Segawa, University of Tokyo on Advanced Functional Energy Materials using Polyoxometalates |
| Organisation | University of Tokyo |
| Country | Japan |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Developing innovative methodologies for integrating POMs into energy storage and conversion applications, leveraging our expertise in materials science and chemistry. - Conducting joint experiments to explore the potential of POMs in creating high-efficiency, flexible photovoltaic modules, aligning with Prof. Segawa's work on molecular-based solar cells |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Sharing their extensive expertise in photovoltaic power generation systems, particularly in dye-sensitized and organic thin-film solar cells - Providing access to advanced research facilities at the University of Tokyo, including their shared research facility system with various specialized instruments - Contributing to the development of next-generation high-performance photovoltaics using organometalhalide perovskite, which complements our work on POMs for energy applications. - Facilitating the integration of our POM research with their ongoing work on energy-storable solar cells and flexible photovoltaic modules |
| Impact | - Joint research publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journal in preparation, detailing our findings on POM applications in energy materials. - Presentations at international conferences, showcasing our collaborative research on advanced functional energy materials - Establishment of a strong international research network, fostering knowledge exchange between UK and Japanese institutions in the field of polyoxometalate science. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Energy Materials - Flexible Photovoltaics for Ambient IoT applications |
| Organisation | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Flash Infrared Annealing Technology: Professor Sivula's team at EPFL is contributing their unique Flash Infrared Annealing system, which allows for the rapid synthesis of large-scale coatings of semiconductor metal oxides on flexible substrates. This technology is pivotal for the project, enabling advanced material synthesis and application. Expertise and Training: Two researchers from Dr. Freitag's team were trained at EPFL, gaining expertise in EPFL's specialized techniques. Additionally, Dr. Freitag herself visited EPFL twice to deliver lectures and engage in intellectual exchanges, highlighting the collaborative spirit and shared knowledge between the teams. Facilities and Resources: EPFL is providing access to their state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment, which are essential for the project's success. This includes the utilization of the Flash Infrared Annealing system and other resources for material development and characterization. Collaborative Research: Both teams are involved in the integration and characterization of novel materials, with EPFL focusing on the deposition and optimization of these materials on flexible substrates. The collaboration extends to joint problem-solving and innovation in developing flexible photovoltaic devices. Long-term Partnership and Follow-up Proposals: The successful interaction between the teams has led to plans for continued collaboration. Both Dr. Freitag's team at Newcastle and Professor Sivula's team at EPFL are working on follow-up proposals to secure funding to extend their partnership, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing research and development in the field of energy materials. This collaboration, combining Dr. Freitag's expertise in energy materials with Professor Sivula's technological advancements at EPFL, exemplifies a synergistic partnership aimed at pushing the frontiers of flexible photovoltaic technology and its applications in ambient IoT devices. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Technological Contributions: EPFL, led by Professor Kevin Sivula, brought their specialized Flash Infrared Annealing technology to the project. This technology enabled the rapid and effective synthesis of semiconductor metal oxides on flexible substrates, a critical component for advancing the development of flexible photovoltaic devices. Training and Expertise Exchange: The collaboration facilitated a robust exchange of knowledge and skills. Two researchers from Dr. Freitag's team received specialized training at EPFL, enhancing their expertise in the unique methodologies employed by the EPFL team. Moreover, Dr. Freitag's visits to EPFL, where she delivered lectures and engaged in discussions, further cemented the intellectual and technical exchange between the teams. Collaborative Research: The EPFL team played a crucial role in the integration and characterization of 1D coordination polymers on flexible substrates. Their contributions in material deposition, optimization, and characterization were instrumental in advancing the project's objectives and in the development of innovative photovoltaic devices. Resource Sharing: EPFL provided essential laboratory facilities and resources, enabling the Newcastle team to perform critical experiments and characterizations. This access facilitated the progress of the project and underscored the collaborative nature of the partnership. Future Collaborative Efforts: The success of the initial collaboration has led both teams to plan for future joint endeavors. They are actively working on follow-up proposals to secure funding for continued research, demonstrating a commitment to sustaining and expanding their collaborative efforts. |
| Impact | Joint Grant Application: The two teams have applied together for a larger Europe Horizon grant to continue and expand their collaboration. This application demonstrates the success and potential for further impactful research stemming from their partnership. Research Manuscripts: Currently, both teams are in the process of submitting two research manuscripts based on the collaborative project. These manuscripts are expected to contribute significant new knowledge to the field of energy materials, particularly in the context of flexible photovoltaics for ambient IoT applications. Training and Knowledge Exchange: Researchers from Dr. Freitag's team received specialized training at EPFL, enhancing the collaboration's depth and fostering a mutual exchange of expertise. Visits and Lectures: Dr. Freitag visited EPFL to deliver lectures and engage in academic discussions, further strengthening the intellectual ties between the two groups. Multi-Disciplinary Nature: The collaboration is inherently multi-disciplinary, involving fields such as chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Dr. Freitag's team contributes expertise in coordination chemistry and photovoltaic technology, while Professor Sivula's group offers advanced materials science and engineering knowledge, particularly in nanostructured films and Flash Infrared Annealing technology. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Poster Presentation: Flexible Photovoltaics for Ambient IoT Applications at MATSUS Spring 2025 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | David Bradford, a postgraduate researcher (PGR) working on the project "Energy Materials - Flexible Photovoltaics for Ambient IoT applications," presented a poster on the research outcomes at the MASUS Spring 2025 conference in Seville, Spain, on March 5, 2025. The poster presentation showcased the latest findings in flexible photovoltaics for ambient IoT applications, a cutting-edge area of research in energy materials. The intended purpose of this activity was to disseminate research findings to an international audience of experts in the field, foster discussions, and explore potential collaborations. The presentation provided an opportunity for direct interaction with peers, allowing for immediate feedback and exchange of ideas. A significant outcome of this activity was that David Bradford received a poster prize for his presentation. This recognition not only highlights the quality and relevance of the research but also increases the visibility of the project within the international materials science community. The award can be seen as an indicator of the research's potential impact and innovation in the field of flexible photovoltaics and IoT applications. Furthermore, the poster presentation has led to plans for submitting a publication based on the research outcomes, indicating that the conference engagement has contributed to the advancement of the project towards peer-reviewed publication. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |