RG1. Research Group Active Materials and Systems Research (AMSY)

The main work on the team is the investigation and modeling of fundamental mechanisms governing the operation of light to energy conversion in semiconductor materials and devices. The research program is about perovskite solar cells, other emerging solar cells and water splitting with visible light and semiconductors. The team combines experimental investigation and theoretical and numerical tools to develop insights in the electronic processes in hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells, joining novel theory of semiconductor nanostructures, photoelectrochemistry, and systematic experimental demonstration.

Specific lines of research:

• Ad. Mat. for energy conversion.
• Developing complete electrical devices for optoelectronics, photovoltaics, energy storage, and sensoring. Particularly relevant for the research developed is parameter extraction and mechanism identification inferred from impedance spectroscopy analysis.
• Characterization and understanding of the distinctive properties of halide perovskite materials and devices in broad contexts and application in optoelectronic devices.
• Synthesis of high-quality thin films and single crystals perovskites by understanding the crystallization properties of the material that enables the study of the fundamental properties of perovskites.
• Understanding connections between structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic aspects, and electrical behavior and new functionalities of novel materials and interfaces.
• Developing models for photoelectrochemical conversion of water to fuel, using impedance spectroscopy to characterize the interfacial processes at the electrochemical junction.
• Testing and degradation diagnostics of materials for energy storage (batteries) using impedance spectroscopy. Analysis of charging processes in battery electrodes.
• Ad. Mat. for catalysis.
• Developing new materials for catalytic applications in electrochemical reactions. Design and synthesis of new materials to efficiently promote the water splitting. Morphological and chemical characterization of these materials with particular attention to formation of active species.
• Implementation of photovoltaic devices into a photoelectromical configuration. Stabilization of perovskites in liquids, study of protecting layers and compatibility with catalysts. Electrical characterization of these systems and analysis and modelling of key processes.
• Industrial Innovation and Technology Transfer

The group has been involved in industrial projects on catalysis in connection with a regional funding program (AVI) where catalysts have been developed for the water splitting reaction. In addition, the group has worked on an industrially funded project related to passive radiative cooling of buildings.

more info: amsy.es