New Photovoltaic Materials

We are researching next-generation photovoltaics – with the goal of strengthening southern Saxony-Anhalt as a hub of innovation.

JTC Team A1 Strukturwandel &<br />
Partizipation: Gruppenbild – Dr. Jan Winkler, Hermine Bär, Cheyenne Wolf, Pia Kahlfuß, nicht abgebildet: Felix Schiedlowski

The goal of the innovation team is to analyze innovative materials for high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells in future. Priority is to achieve an efficiency of over 50% while suitability for cost-effective mass production is ensured. Our resarch is based on theoretical material analyses with the focus on regional raw materials and scalable manufacturing processes in southern Saxony-Anhalt.

Our team researches the photovoltaics of the day after tomorrow – with the goal of strengthening southern Saxony-Anhalt as a hub for innovation. While current silicon cells stagnate at 26.8% efficiency, the team is aiming for multi-junction solar cells with over 50% efficiency. This requires novel, cost-efficient materials that are regionally available, non-toxic, and resource-conserving. Using quantum-theoretical simulations, promising compounds such as BaZrS₃ and La₃CrCuS₇ have been identified. These can be specifically modified to utilize sunlight even more efficiently. Deposition takes place using a scalable co-evaporation process in vacuum – with a custom-designed setup. Supported by strong partners such as MLU Halle and international collaborations, a prototype with a triple-stacked cell structure is set to be developed. True to the vision: innovation from the region – for a sustainable energy solution worldwide.

Team
Torsten Hölscher, Team Leader
Oliver Wolf
Sebastian Zimmermann