Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies
Next generation photovoltaics
Energy storage
Green and sustainable chemistry
DESCRIPTION
A transition to renewable and clean energy is imperative to curtail global warming and create a sustainable energy economy in the near future. This includes not only large-scale electricity generation but also requires energy storage and clean fuel systems. In addition, in order to satisfy global demand, the fabrication of these systems needs to be sustainable and satisfy green chemistry and engineering principles, including high efficiency, low energy investment, low payback time, abundant materials, and simple, safe and non-toxic processing. In CNATS, the main research efforts are in the following topics:
a) Next generation photovoltaics:
Although silicon-based photovoltaic technology (PV) dominates large-scale solar electricity generation, there is a large potential for next-generation solutions for specific applications or improvement of current systems. For example, dye-sensitized solar cells are specifically attractive for building-integrated PV, both on the outside and on the inside. Specifically, the exceptional performance under low light intensity and indoor illumination is a main topic of research within CNATS. On the other hand, hybrid perovskite solar cells have shown a spectacular development and have reached efficiencies as high as those of silicon PV, and the wide range of architectures allows designs from indoor to outdoor, rigid to flexible, stand-alone of tandem systems. Key aspects of next-generation PV research include advanced characterization of loss processes, materials stability, and process modeling; these topics are under active investigation in CNATS. The high operating voltage that can be achieved is attractive for solar water splitting in a PV + electrolysis system.
b) Energy Storage
Related with the intermittency of solar irradiation, storage of renewable energy is required to provide clean energy at night, which can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, batteries can be used to store electricity, molten salts or other materials to store energy in the form of heat, or hydrogen or other light fuels as storage as chemical energy. In CNATS we focus on conversion of solar energy by photolysis of water to form hydrogen using direct photoelectrochemical conversion. We search for new, stable, and abundant materials that can efficiently absorb sunlight and split water. Research encompasses both n-type and p-type semiconductors with emphasis on stable binary and ternary metal oxides. Advanced modeling and deep learning are also applied as important tools to advance in this important challenge.
c) Green and sustainable Chemistry
One of the specific challenges of the renewable energy revolution is the design of sustainable fabrication processes: in many cases, fabrication of solar energy conversion or storage systems requires relatively high energy consumption and a large quantity of specialized and sometimes scarce or expensive materials. Hence, it is essential to incorporate the concepts of sustainability, including end-of-life strategies and circular economy, from the inception of novel industrial processes. This is a very far-reaching subject, and in CNATS the focus lies on the use of abundant, non-toxic, easily available materials for high-quality conversion and storage systems. For this, we aim to combine machine learning and artificial intelligence strategies together with molecular simulations to identify promising new materials and potential applications.
Associated Staff
Next generation photovoltaics
Juan Antonio Anta Montalvo
In the group of nanomaterials for photoconversion at the Pablo de Olavide University, we like to experiment. We tend to do this carefully and gently, so we always use a small disturbance. This disturbance can be a slight optical flicker, of different colors, or an electrical spark. We can do it both at a pleasant room temperature and at several ten...
Más informaciónJuan Antonio Anta Montalvo
Fundamental studies of nanomaterials for solar cells and photoconversion processes.
In the group of nanomaterials for photoconversion at the Pablo de Olavide University, we like to experiment. We tend to do this carefully and gently, so we always use a small disturbance. This disturbance can be a slight optical flicker, of different colors, or an electrical spark. We can do it both at a pleasant room temperature and at several tens of degrees below zero, both in total darkness and under intense lighting. Normally, the cells behave perfectly, although those metal-organic hybrid perovskite cells do not seem to resist our treatments as well. In any case, they always provide us with tasty information, in the form of resistances and capacitances, or in the form of kinetic constants of different types. Additionally, our doctors like to run simulations and design numerical models, to better understand their complicated behavior. We don't know if we do it better or worse, but what we are sure of is that we always do it with frequence and intensity
Gerko Oskam
We focus on two solar energy conversion systems: (i) solar cells based on abundant nanostructured and mesoporous materials either sensitized by dye or impregnated with hybrid perovskite; (ii) semiconductor metal oxides for solar photolysis of water for the generation of clean hydrogen fuel. For both systems, the research includes the combinatorial ...
Más informaciónGerko Oskam
Conversión de energía solar en electricidad, calor y combustibles limpios
We focus on two solar energy conversion systems: (i) solar cells based on abundant nanostructured and mesoporous materials either sensitized by dye or impregnated with hybrid perovskite; (ii) semiconductor metal oxides for solar photolysis of water for the generation of clean hydrogen fuel. For both systems, the research includes the combinatorial search and synthesis of novel materials, their characterization and application in conversion systems, and determination of their performance, with special emphasis on elucidation of process mechanisms. Based on the results from advanced characterization tools, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS), we aim to design improvement methods. Applications of interest include indoor photovoltaics and scaling-up of screen-printed photovoltaic systems.
Jan Paul Pistor
Paul Pistor is dedicated to the research of emerging photovoltaic technologies – in search of efficient and sustainable materials that convert sunlight into electricity. In his research efforts, he tries to build a bridge between basic material researches and the industrial application of the technology. He has long experience in the preparation an...
Más informaciónJan Paul Pistor
Emerging Photovotaics – Advanced Characterization and Device Optimization
Paul Pistor is dedicated to the research of emerging photovoltaic technologies – in search of efficient and sustainable materials that convert sunlight into electricity. In his research efforts, he tries to build a bridge between basic material researches and the industrial application of the technology. He has long experience in the preparation and optimization of thin film devices through dry, vacuum-based deposition techniques, the in situ characterization of their film formation and the correlation of structure-property relationships of growing and grown semiconductor films. His reseach is coupled to collaborations with industrial partners. Currently, he is mainly involved in the intelligent characterization and diagnostics of emerging thin film devices – from small laboratory cells to pre-industrial sub-modules.
Clara Patricia Aranda Alonso
The Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM) (Castellón, Spain). She worked as postdoctoral researcher at the Forschungszentrum Jülich and Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv) at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) for two years. Then she moved to the Institute of Materials Science (ICMUV) at the University of Valencia (Spain) as a Margarita Salas fel...
Más informaciónClara Patricia Aranda Alonso
Synthesis and Characterization of Wide bandgap Perovskite Photoconversion Devices
The Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM) (Castellón, Spain). She worked as postdoctoral researcher at the Forschungszentrum Jülich and Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv) at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) for two years. Then she moved to the Institute of Materials Science (ICMUV) at the University of Valencia (Spain) as a Margarita Salas fellow. Currently, she is working at Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Seville (Spain). Her work is focused on the synthesis and characterization of wide band gap perovskite materials, both in thin film and single crystal configuration, for photoconversion devices such as solar cells, photodetectors and memristors, using impedance spectroscopy as the main characterization tool.
Patricia Sanchez Fernandez
My main line of research is based on the study of the behavior of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) in indoor lighting environments, when the light intensity is much lower than the standard conditions of 1 sun ( 100 mW/cm^2) and the emission spectra correspond to typical lighting sources for indoor spaces (LED lamps, fluorescent lamps; offices, work...
Más informaciónPatricia Sanchez Fernandez
Dye-sensitized solar cells and their limitations in indoor applications
My main line of research is based on the study of the behavior of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) in indoor lighting environments, when the light intensity is much lower than the standard conditions of 1 sun ( 100 mW/cm^2) and the emission spectra correspond to typical lighting sources for indoor spaces (LED lamps, fluorescent lamps; offices, workstations, common areas, public transport, etc.). One of the objectives of the study is to obtain a functional photovoltaic device at low light intensity that serves as a substitute prototype for small batteries in order to self-sustain "things on the internet", whose demand grows exponentially with the passage of time.
Mahmoud Nabil Hassan Mahmoud
I am actively engaged in both the fabrication and characterization of perovskite solar cells, complemented by the synthesis and analysis of related nanomaterials.
Más informaciónMahmoud Nabil Hassan Mahmoud
Third-generation solar cells and related nanomaterials
I am actively engaged in both the fabrication and characterization of perovskite solar cells, complemented by the synthesis and analysis of related nanomaterials.
Pablo Romero Llorente
We are going to combiante the computational capabilities of quantum molecular simulations with the predictive power of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance solar energy conversion technologies in perovskite materials. The methodology involves two primary components. Quantum Molecular Simulations: Utilize the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (...
Más informaciónPablo Romero Llorente
Quantum Molecular Simulations and AI-Driven Force Field Prediction for Enhanced Solar Energy Conversion in Perovskites
We are going to combiante the computational capabilities of quantum molecular simulations with the predictive power of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance solar energy conversion technologies in perovskite materials. The methodology involves two primary components. Quantum Molecular Simulations: Utilize the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) to conduct quantum mechanical simulations of perovskite materials. These simulations will provide detailed insights into the atomic-level interactions and the electronic properties of perovskites, which are crucial for understanding and optimizing their photovoltaic properties. AI-Driven Force Field Prediction: Develop a neural network-based model to predict force fields in perovskite materials based on the data generated from quantum molecular simulations.
Energy storage
Ana Martin Calvo
I perform classical simulations (Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics) to study at molecular level the adsorption and diffusion properties of gases and liquids in nanoporous materials (zeolites and MOFs), with the aim of understanding and improving processes with environmental and technological impact, such as water desalination, removal of contamina...
Más informaciónAna Martin Calvo
Molecular Simulation of Porous Materials for Environmental and Technological Applications
I perform classical simulations (Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics) to study at molecular level the adsorption and diffusion properties of gases and liquids in nanoporous materials (zeolites and MOFs), with the aim of understanding and improving processes with environmental and technological impact, such as water desalination, removal of contaminants, or hydrogen purification, among others.
Juan Antonio Anta Montalvo
In the group of nanomaterials for photoconversion at the Pablo de Olavide University, we like to experiment. We tend to do this carefully and gently, so we always use a small disturbance. This disturbance can be a slight optical flicker, of different colors, or an electrical spark. We can do it both at a pleasant room temperature and at several ten...
Más informaciónJuan Antonio Anta Montalvo
Fundamental studies of nanomaterials for solar cells and photoconversion processes.
In the group of nanomaterials for photoconversion at the Pablo de Olavide University, we like to experiment. We tend to do this carefully and gently, so we always use a small disturbance. This disturbance can be a slight optical flicker, of different colors, or an electrical spark. We can do it both at a pleasant room temperature and at several tens of degrees below zero, both in total darkness and under intense lighting. Normally, the cells behave perfectly, although those metal-organic hybrid perovskite cells do not seem to resist our treatments as well. In any case, they always provide us with tasty information, in the form of resistances and capacitances, or in the form of kinetic constants of different types. Additionally, our doctors like to run simulations and design numerical models, to better understand their complicated behavior. We don't know if we do it better or worse, but what we are sure of is that we always do it with frequence and intensity
Gerko Oskam
We focus on two solar energy conversion systems: (i) solar cells based on abundant nanostructured and mesoporous materials either sensitized by dye or impregnated with hybrid perovskite; (ii) semiconductor metal oxides for solar photolysis of water for the generation of clean hydrogen fuel. For both systems, the research includes the combinatorial ...
Más informaciónGerko Oskam
Conversión de energía solar en electricidad, calor y combustibles limpios
We focus on two solar energy conversion systems: (i) solar cells based on abundant nanostructured and mesoporous materials either sensitized by dye or impregnated with hybrid perovskite; (ii) semiconductor metal oxides for solar photolysis of water for the generation of clean hydrogen fuel. For both systems, the research includes the combinatorial search and synthesis of novel materials, their characterization and application in conversion systems, and determination of their performance, with special emphasis on elucidation of process mechanisms. Based on the results from advanced characterization tools, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS), we aim to design improvement methods. Applications of interest include indoor photovoltaics and scaling-up of screen-printed photovoltaic systems.
Juan José Gutiérrez Sevillano
Classical simulation applied to the study of porous materials with applications of industrial, energy and environmental interest.
Sofia Calero Diaz
Calero’s research involves the application of simulation to industrially relevant systems and the development of force fields, algorithms and simulation methods to reverse-engineer properties of materials.
Más informaciónSofia Calero Diaz
Modelling functional materials for renewable energy applications
Calero’s research involves the application of simulation to industrially relevant systems and the development of force fields, algorithms and simulation methods to reverse-engineer properties of materials.
Juan Jesús Romero Guerrero
juanjesus.romero.guerrero@gmail.com
The research focuses on the development of devices based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental and nanotechnology applications. The study involves investigating the methods for combining or depositing MOFs onto different substrates to make these materials useful in research areas like chemical sensors, energy storage, CO2 reduction, ...
Más informaciónJuan Jesús Romero Guerrero
juanjesus.romero.guerrero@gmail.com
MOFs based devices for environmental and nanotechnology applications.
The research focuses on the development of devices based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental and nanotechnology applications. The study involves investigating the methods for combining or depositing MOFs onto different substrates to make these materials useful in research areas like chemical sensors, energy storage, CO2 reduction, or water splitting.
Green and sustainable chemistry
Ana Martin Calvo
I perform classical simulations (Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics) to study at molecular level the adsorption and diffusion properties of gases and liquids in nanoporous materials (zeolites and MOFs), with the aim of understanding and improving processes with environmental and technological impact, such as water desalination, removal of contamina...
Más informaciónAna Martin Calvo
Molecular Simulation of Porous Materials for Environmental and Technological Applications
I perform classical simulations (Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics) to study at molecular level the adsorption and diffusion properties of gases and liquids in nanoporous materials (zeolites and MOFs), with the aim of understanding and improving processes with environmental and technological impact, such as water desalination, removal of contaminants, or hydrogen purification, among others.
Juan Antonio Anta Montalvo
In the group of nanomaterials for photoconversion at the Pablo de Olavide University, we like to experiment. We tend to do this carefully and gently, so we always use a small disturbance. This disturbance can be a slight optical flicker, of different colors, or an electrical spark. We can do it both at a pleasant room temperature and at several ten...
Más informaciónJuan Antonio Anta Montalvo
Fundamental studies of nanomaterials for solar cells and photoconversion processes.
In the group of nanomaterials for photoconversion at the Pablo de Olavide University, we like to experiment. We tend to do this carefully and gently, so we always use a small disturbance. This disturbance can be a slight optical flicker, of different colors, or an electrical spark. We can do it both at a pleasant room temperature and at several tens of degrees below zero, both in total darkness and under intense lighting. Normally, the cells behave perfectly, although those metal-organic hybrid perovskite cells do not seem to resist our treatments as well. In any case, they always provide us with tasty information, in the form of resistances and capacitances, or in the form of kinetic constants of different types. Additionally, our doctors like to run simulations and design numerical models, to better understand their complicated behavior. We don't know if we do it better or worse, but what we are sure of is that we always do it with frequence and intensity
Maria de la Menta Ballesteros Martin
Valorization of agricultural and industrial by-products for the synthesis of nanomaterials and their application in the treatment of water contaminated with emerging compounds, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pathogenic microorganisms, etc. using photocatalytic with sunlight as a source of energy as well as for the production of biodiesel ...
Más informaciónMaria de la Menta Ballesteros Martin
Nanomaterials for environmental applications
Valorization of agricultural and industrial by-products for the synthesis of nanomaterials and their application in the treatment of water contaminated with emerging compounds, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pathogenic microorganisms, etc. using photocatalytic with sunlight as a source of energy as well as for the production of biodiesel
Gerko Oskam
We focus on two solar energy conversion systems: (i) solar cells based on abundant nanostructured and mesoporous materials either sensitized by dye or impregnated with hybrid perovskite; (ii) semiconductor metal oxides for solar photolysis of water for the generation of clean hydrogen fuel. For both systems, the research includes the combinatorial ...
Más informaciónGerko Oskam
Conversión de energía solar en electricidad, calor y combustibles limpios
We focus on two solar energy conversion systems: (i) solar cells based on abundant nanostructured and mesoporous materials either sensitized by dye or impregnated with hybrid perovskite; (ii) semiconductor metal oxides for solar photolysis of water for the generation of clean hydrogen fuel. For both systems, the research includes the combinatorial search and synthesis of novel materials, their characterization and application in conversion systems, and determination of their performance, with special emphasis on elucidation of process mechanisms. Based on the results from advanced characterization tools, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS), we aim to design improvement methods. Applications of interest include indoor photovoltaics and scaling-up of screen-printed photovoltaic systems.
Juan José Gutiérrez Sevillano
Classical simulation applied to the study of porous materials with applications of industrial, energy and environmental interest.
Sofia Calero Diaz
Calero’s research involves the application of simulation to industrially relevant systems and the development of force fields, algorithms and simulation methods to reverse-engineer properties of materials.
Más informaciónSofia Calero Diaz
Modelling functional materials for renewable energy applications
Calero’s research involves the application of simulation to industrially relevant systems and the development of force fields, algorithms and simulation methods to reverse-engineer properties of materials.
Juan Jesús Romero Guerrero
juanjesus.romero.guerrero@gmail.com
The research focuses on the development of devices based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental and nanotechnology applications. The study involves investigating the methods for combining or depositing MOFs onto different substrates to make these materials useful in research areas like chemical sensors, energy storage, CO2 reduction, ...
Más informaciónJuan Jesús Romero Guerrero
juanjesus.romero.guerrero@gmail.com
MOFs based devices for environmental and nanotechnology applications.
The research focuses on the development of devices based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental and nanotechnology applications. The study involves investigating the methods for combining or depositing MOFs onto different substrates to make these materials useful in research areas like chemical sensors, energy storage, CO2 reduction, or water splitting.
Noelia Rodriguez Sanchez
Synthesis and modifications of MOF for its application in the treatment of water with emerging contaminants and pathogens by heterogeneous photocatalysis
Más informaciónNoelia Rodriguez Sanchez
Synthesis of nanomaterials for wastewater treatment
Synthesis and modifications of MOF for its application in the treatment of water with emerging contaminants and pathogens by heterogeneous photocatalysis
