Laser processed sustainable electrode manufacturing for Advanced Photovoltaics (ElectrodE4PV)

Project Description

This program leverages knowledge transfer and complementary expertise in the development and characterization of advanced electronic materials and solar cell front electrode fabrication using the facilities of the Irish (Dublin City University (DCU)) and French (University of Tours (UT)) partners.

This funding will initiate a successful long-term collaboration between DCU and UT. The aim of the research project is to develop innovative manufacturing processes for producing novel copper-based front electrodes to make reliable solar cells. For this, Laser Ablation Synthesis in Solution and inkjet printing techniques will be used to develop copper-based front electrode on the Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) surface of the solar cell. Most of the equipment required to undertake this research project are currently available in DCU. However, the advanced characterization of the laser-produced copper conductive ink will be carried out using the Synchrotron X-Ray instrument in UT. The ITO surface modification to will also be performed using the Combinatorial Pulsed Laser Deposition equipment in UT. It is very important to perform both characterization and surface modification since they directly relate to the performance of the solar cell device. The collaboration between DCU and UT will result in a successful PhD thesis