Advanced Strategies for Development of Sustainable Semiconductors for Scalable Solar Cell Applications

Introduction

SOLARUP directly addresses the ever louder call for sustainable energy production. The proposed solar energy conversion technology will reduce dependence on critical raw materials and overcome efficiency thresholds to unlock the future of flexible photovoltaic (PV) solar cells for mass deployment in smart buildings, soft robotics, wearable electronics, and other consumer products.

Innovations

Our main innovations lie in nanoengineering zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) for use as an earth-abundant direct bandgap semiconductor absorber. Combined with a novel device architecture, we target cell efficiency enhancements of up to 15%.

Manufacturing Techniques

Advanced manufacturing techniques such as:

• Nanoimprinting
• Metal-organic vapour-phase epitaxy

will be explored to open industrially scalable routes to synthesize high-quality Zn3P2 films. Moreover, our approach will allow reuse of the growth substrate, making sustainability another core element of SOLARUP's radical vision.

Optimization Strategy

Optimisation of both the absorber structure and device architecture will be achieved through a holistic interplay of:

1. First-principles calculations
2. Atomic scale structural and electronic characterisation

Expected Outcomes

The main outcome of SOLARUP will be the demonstration of an ultrathin-film PV technology that is scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable, complete with a comprehensive life cycle analysis. In this sense, our aim is to feed and inspire the development of Zn3P2-based solar cells towards a market-ready technology.

Project Consortium

The project consortium unites six European teams with complementary expertise at the forefront of Zn3P2 research, device architecture, and life cycle analysis. They will approach the ambitious challenges from a flexible and interdisciplinary perspective.

Impact

SOLARUP has clear potential to make science-based contributions to energy security and high-quality job creation, while also connecting to industry and boosting the trajectories of early-career team members.