Studies and realizations of inverted solar cells based on geopolymer substrates
The Laboratory of Innovative Technologies “LTI” through its MIM team is involved in the field of energy, the environment and ecological transition through the development of new architectures or even new materials or new concepts of photovoltaic solar cells. As part of the A2U, the LTI developed this project in close collaboration with the Geopolymers Institute and the UDSMM of ULCO.
Our team wants to develop solar cells from geopolymer by offering a new configuration and a new concept of solar cell.
MIM team has acquired know-how n the development of new geopolymer formulations and manufacturing processes. The use of geopolymers in several areas constitutes a real alternative to conventional materials. Qualified as mineral polymers, they can be produced at room temperature from many minerals of geological origin (metakaolinite, rock) and recycling industrial by-product (fly ash, blast furnace slag), without the use of organic solvent.
- Optimization of the deposits of aluminium-based metal layers (adhesion, thcikness and morphology, three factors from which PV performance results) on geopolymer substrate.
- Deposition of a perovskite layer to modify the surface of Al by sol gel method. A layer of PEDOT:PSS will be deposited before deposition of the anode (e.g. Ag…)
We further aim to establish a device-level understanding and define the rules governing optical and electrical or even thermal performance on the materials used. To do this, optical characterizations as well as SEM imaging of cross sections of Al layers deposited on geopolymer substrates will be carried to control the poroous nature of the geopolymers. Complementary techniques will be realized such as AFM, thermal and electrical performance measurements, etc. will also carried out.
