| Project Detail |
Photovoltaic technology stands as a beacon in the challenge to reduce CO2 emissions by maximizing the use of solar energy. Over the past decade, perovskite materials have emerged as game-changers, offering a powerful combination of affordability and high efficiency. In addition, their remarkable properties make them prime candidates for solar cell applications and are called to revolutionize photovoltaic technology. However, there is still room for improvement in enhancing their light management capabilities. Numerical simulations in perovskites have shown the potential of nanopatterning for the enhancement of light management, but the current landscape of nano- and micropatterning techniques is often time-consuming and unsuitable for large-scale industrial applications. This bottleneck hampers the realization of the full potential of perovskite solar cells.
SPARKLES is a pioneering project aimed at revolutionizing perovskite technology. The main objective is to develop an innovative approach that enables rapid, large-area patterning of perovskite thin film surface in a single and efficient step for enhancing light management. This is possible thanks to femtosecond laser processing, a cutting-edge technology that creates Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS). This finely tunable periodic line-pattern promises to optimize the light management capabilities of perovskite solar cell devices. LIPSS are the result of an interference phenomenon which allows patterning large areas in the blink of an eye, making them a perfect fit for industrial-scale production. The novel strategy proposed in SPARKLES achieves mask-less patterning without the need for harmful chemicals, ensuring a clean and sustainable process. SPARKLES is poised to illuminate the future of perovskite-based solar energy, making stride towards a greener and more efficient tomorrow. |
