ABOUT US
The Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy (CHOSE) was founded in 2006 from the will of the Lazio Region and the University of Rome Tor Vergata to create a center of excellence in the field of next-generation photovoltaics.
HIGH-EFFICIENCY INDOOR PEROVSKITE PHOTOVOLTAICS ON ULTRA-THIN GLASS | PRESS RELEASE
29 April 2020
High-Efficiency Indoor Perovskite Photovoltaics on Ultra-Thin Glass
A revolution is already under way which includes development of autonomous wireless sensors, low-power consumer electronics, smart homes, domotics and the Internet of Things. All these elements require efficient and easy-to-integrate energy harvesting devices for their power. Indoor photovoltaic (PV) power sources, on ultra-thin curvable substrates, will have the potential to facilitate these technological innovations if they can provide sufficient energy under indoor illumination rather than the sun to the electronic components, while remaining small, convenient and economical. An international team with researchers from University of Rome – Tor Vergata, Universidad Surcolombiana, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology has published results in Cell Reports Physical Science which highlights the progress made in achieving efficiencies above 20% under indoor illumination using flexible perovskite solar cells fabricated on ultra-thin glass. The efficiencies obtained represent the highest reported for any indoor photovoltaic cell technology that is flexible and curvable, as well as surpassing by a 60-90% margin the prior best-performing perovskite photovoltaic cells on flexible substrates. Specific powers in Watts delivered per gram of weight (W/g) are 40-55% higher than their counterparts on plastic PET films and an order of magnitude greater than those on rigid glass. More information: “Perovskite Photovoltaics on Roll-To-Roll Coated Ultra-thin Glass as Flexible High-Efficiency Indoor Power-Generators” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2020.100045.
For more information see the press release and
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2020.100045
AN ALL-ITALIAN SUCCESS: A TANDEM PEROVSKITE/SILICON SOLAR CELL FOR A RECORD EFFICIENCY OF MORE THAN 26%
CHOSE researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), with Graphene Labs and its BeDimensional spin-off, in collaboration with the ENEA researchers of the Photovoltaic Technologies Laboratory, have accomplished an innovative solar cell of perovskite and silicon, to record efficiencies of up to 26.3%.
The results of this relevant research were published on the international journal "Joule":
PEROVSKITES TAKE STEPS TO INDUSTRIALIZATION
Another step forward to the industrialization of perovskite photovoltaics, the new technology at centre of the research on solar energy.
Also Prof. Aldo Di Carlo, Prof. Francesca Brunetti and Dr. Francesca De Rossi of CHOSE in a team of scientists, who expressed a Consensus Statement for the definition of the procedures to be applied to assessing and measuring the perovskite photovoltaics' stability.
The Consensus Statement was published on the prestigious magazine "Nature Energy" (VOL 5 | January 2020) at the link:
The "Nature Energy" magazine also published the article "Perovskites take steps to industrialization" (22/01/2020), to read at the link:
CHOSE at the EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON THERMOELECTRICS / 17° ECT 2019 - CYPRUS 23-25 SEPTEMBER 2019
From September 23rd to 25th 2019, in Limassol (Cyprus), the 17th European Conference on Thermoelectrics was held.
For CHOSE, Prof. Andrea Reale and Dr. Saeed Mardi presented the activities and results of research in the field of printable thermoelectric devices.
(8/10/2019)
ARE YOU READY FOR INDOOR SOLAR PANELS? | ARTICLE by WIRED ITALIA MAGAZINE
"WIRED" Italia Magazine: article on the research of Prof. Thomas Brown and of Team CHOSE on the indoor solar cells
WIRED Italia Magazine
24 September 2019
Autor: Simone Valesini
Are you ready for indoor solar panels?
A new generation of photovoltaic cells will allow us to recycle the excess light we produce to light homes, offices and public places. And it could give a definitive boost to the rise of the internet of things. Let's see how
Read the article:
https://www.wired.it/scienza/energia/2019/09/20/pannelli-solari-interno/
Photo: Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
TWO-DIMENSIONAL MXenes IMPROVE PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCY | PHISICS WORLD MAGAZINE'S ARTICLE
Phisics World Magazine
18 September 2019
Autor: Amanda Carr
Two-dimensional MXenes improve perovskite solar cell efficiency
"Phisics World" Magazine's article dedicated to the important research results (published in the prestigious scientific journal "Nature Materials") conducted by the scientists of CHOSE, under the direction of Prof. Aldo Di Carlo, together with the partners of NUST MISIS (Russia) and CNR (Italy). This research has shown how a microscopic quantity of two-dimensional titanium carbide called MXene significantly improves collection of electrical charges in a perovskite solar cell, increasing the final efficiency above 20%.
Read the article:
https://physicsworld.com/a/two-dimensional-mxenes-improve-perovskite-solar-cell-efficiency/
Photo: iStock Milos-Muller
SOLAR CELLS WITH NEW INTERFACES: INNOVATIVE TWO-DIMENSIONAL MATERIALS INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY | PRESS RELEASE
September 13, 2019
Solar Cells with New Interfaces: Innovative Two-Dimensional Materials Increase the Efficiency
Scientists for the CHOSE centre of University of Rome Tor Vergata together with NUST MISIS (Russia) and CNR (Italy) partners found out that a microscopic quantity of two-dimensional titanium carbide called MXene significantly improves collection of electrical charges in a perovskite solar cell, increasing the final efficiency above 20%. The results of the research were published in "Nature Materials".
For more information see the press release and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-019-0478-1
PERMEATION BARRIER - ENCAPSULATION SYSTEMS FOR FLEXIBLE AND GLASS-BASED ELECTRONICS AND THEIR APPLICATION TO PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELLS | PRESS RELEASE
September 12, 2019
Permeation Barrier - Encapsulation Systems for Flexible and Glass-based Electronics and their Application to Perovskite Solar Cells
Researchers at the Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy (CHOSE), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome – Tor Vergata, and at the Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, have unraveled the effects of architectures, application processes, and water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) of transparent flexible ultra-high permeation barrier films (UHPBFs) applied to substrates with adhesive resins for attaining long lifetimes, and compared these with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and glass barriers. The effectiveness of barrier/adhesive systems, quantified via calcium tests, depends on barrier orientation, adhesion, handling, defects, storage and application procedures. The researchers applied permeation barriers for the encapsulation of perovskite solar cells and were able to extract a relationship between WVTRs of barrier/adhesive systems and degradation rates of solar cells. Results highlight important factors which will help those developing strategies relating to encapsulation, barrier, adhesive and sealant systems, and stable optoelectronic devices on glass and flexible substrates that can be effective in cost as well as performance.
For more information see press release and https://doi.org/10.1002/aelm.201800978
EU PROJECT ESPREesSO - EFFICIENT STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES FOR RELIABLE PEROVSKITE SOLAR MODULES
July 17, 2019
From April 2018 CHOSE is involved in the European ESPREesSO project - Efficient Structures and Processes for Reliable Perovskite Solar Modules, with the ambitious goal of bringing perovskite solar cells to the next level of maturity and demonstrating their innovative practical application.
The ESPREesSO team aims to produce alternative materials at alternative costs, to imagine new photovoltaic cells and architectures, to affirm an advanced know-how and to create cutting-edge technology capable of overcoming the current limitations.
Check these links for more information!
LAUNCH OF EPKI | PRESS RELEASE
May 15, 2019
EPKI - The European Perovskite Initiative for the development of Perovskites based solar technology
Perovskite based solar cells have made tremendous progress over the last decade achieving outstanding lab-scale efficiencies of 24.2% early 2019 in single-junction architecture and to an astonishing 28% in tandem (perovskite associated with crystalline silicon), turning it into the fastest-advancing solar technology to date.
CHEOPS PROJECT AT FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED POLYMER RESEARCH - EXCELLENT RESULTS FOR CHOSE
25/01/2019
At the final meeting of the CHEOPS Project held at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research
Excellent results achieved by CHOSE with Fabio Matteocci and Prof. Aldo Di Carlo.
NEW MATERIALS AND COLORS FOR THE "COPPER" PROJECT
01/18/2019
New materials and new colors for organic photovoltaics. Experimentation on flexible substrates with automated blade coating has began in our laboratory.
Thanks to Luca La Notte and Simone Germani at work on the Project "COPPER" funded by Regione Lazio and Lazio Innova, with the aid of Luigi Vesce and Luigi Angelo Castriotta.
FACILITIES
PRESS REVIEW
ISOPHOS
The 19th edition of the International School on Hybrid and Organic Photovoltaics (ISOPHOS®) will be held from the 2nd till 6th of September 2019 in the wonderful atmosphere of Castiglione della Pescaia (Italy)
DISCOVERPLACES
MASTER MIF
CHOSE organizza in collaborazione con l'Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata e l'associazione FREEnergy un Master di II livello in "Ingegneria del Fotovoltaico" .
Università degli Studi di Roma
"Tor Vergata"
IMPORTANCE OF FERROELECTRIC DOMAINS
On the importance of ferroelectric domains for the performance of perovskite solar cells
The effect of ferroelectric polarization patterns in MAPbI3 on JV characteristics has been analyzed. We discuss models for the polarization orientation pattern and magnitude of the ferroelectric domains. Simulations performed on real patterns show that the presence of ordered ferroelectric domains, even with a weak characteristic polarization magnitude enhances the power conversion efficiencies and are mandatory to reproduce the experimental J-V characteristics.
CRYSTAL ENGINEERING APPROACH
A Crystal Engineering approach for perovskite solar cells and modules fabrication out of the glove box
we fabricated high efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSC) and perovskite solar modules (PSM) utilizing several Hole Transport Layers (HTLs). The results show that the Crystal Engineering approach remarkably improved the device performance reaching a power conversion efficiency of 17%, 16.8% and 7% for spiro-OMeTAD, P3HT and HTL free, respectively.
FULLY-SPRAYED FLEXIBLE
Fully-sprayed flexible polymer solar cells with a cellulose-graphene electrode
Light, flexible and low-cost organic solar cells made entirely by spray and with an innovative cellulose and graphene-based electrode! The work, in collaboration with the Smart Materials group of the ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA has been published on the important magazine "Materials Today Energy".
UNDER INDOOR ILLUMINATION
Highly efficient perovskite solar cells for light harvesting under indoor illumination via solution processed sno2/mgo composite electron transport layers
A new architectures in CH3NH3PbI3 based planar perovskite solar cells incorporating solution processed SnO2/MgO composite electron transport layers that show the highest power outputs ever reported under typical 200–400 lx indoor illumination conditions.
SOLAR CELLS ON PAPER
Perovskite solar cells on paper and the role of substrates and electrodes on performance
The first perovskite solar cell (PSC) fabricated directly on a paper substrate with a maximum power conversion efficiency of 2.7% is here reported.
APOCAROTENOIDS PIGMENTS
Photoelectrochemical and spectrophotometric studies on dye-sensitized solar cells (dscs) and stable modules (dscms) based on natural apocarotenoids pigments
We present a study on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and we fabricate dye-sensitized solar modules (DSCMs) based on natural apocarotenoids extracted from the achiote's seeds (annatto). Use of less polar solvent such as diethyl ether improves the bixin concentration in the annatto extract which, was employed as sensitizer in the devices.
PEROVSKITE SOLAR MODULES
Fully laser processed Perovskite Solar Cell modules with 95% Aperture Ratio
Laser patterning has been applied to realize Perovskite solar modules with a ratio between active and total substrate area of 95% and an efficiency of 9.3%. These values are new records for large area (14.5 cm2) fully laser processed perovskite devices. This work signs a forward step to the industrialization of perovskite based solar technology. Results have been published on IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2017.2732223
GRAPHENE-PEROVSKITE
Graphene-Perovskite Solar module with efficiency 12.6% on 50 cm2
Graphene interface engineering (GIE) is proposed as an effective way to boost efficiency in Perovskite solar cells and modules.
A record efficiency of 12.6% on 50 cm2 module active area has been achieved by introduce Graphene in the mesoporous TiO2
and lithium neutralized graphene oxide (GO-Li) at the mTiO2/perovskite.
Results have been published on ACS Energy Lett. 2017, 2, 279−287
REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE
Reduced Graphene Oxide as Efficient and Stable Hole Transporting Material in Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells
Nano Energy
DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2016.02.027
PEROVSKITE MODULE
We fabricated the first perovskite-based monolithic series-type module showing very promising results in terms of the power conversion efficiency, the reproducibility of the fabrication process and long-term stability.
PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELLS
We fabricated perovskite based solar cells using CH3NH3PbI3-xClx with different hole transporting materials such as Spiro-OMeTAD and P3HT.
SDSC MODULE
We fabricated the first solid state dye solar cell (SDSC) module using poly(3-hexilthiophene) (P3HT) as Hole Transport Material for the dye regeneration process.
A COATING FOR ALL
Fully sprayed polymer solar cell modules open the way to bring Photovoltaics nominally everywhere, thanks to spray coating conformability to virtually any kind of substrate.
GREENHOUSE
We have demonstrated the feasibility of the fabrication of a photovoltaic greenhouse roof by using techniques based on solution processing (spray coating and screen printing).