Project Portugal 2030

Summary

The energy consumption from renewable sources has increased in the EU to reduce the fossil fuels dependence, economic impact, and environmental effects provoked by gas emissions. Exploring the conversion of solar energy into electricity is paramount, and a key avenue involves developing new materials. Our proposal focuses on constructing phthalocyanine dyes on semiconductors, intending to use them as photoactive components in perovskite solar cells. The integration of these systems holds the potential for significant environmental benefits, in fighting against climate change. The research plan outlines a systematic and well-structured methodology across four distinct aims (T1-T4). These encompass the synthesis and characterization of phthalocyanine dyes (T1), photophysical studies (T2), investigation of hybrid materials with TiO2 (T3), and the design and study of photovoltaic solar cells (T4). The use of advanced spectroscopic techniques, electronic evaluations, and collaboration with experts in synthetic methodologies and component characterization ensures the appropriateness of the proposed methodologies. T1 - Synthesis and characterization of diphenylamine units, phthalonitrile synthons, and phthalocyanine dyes: The proposed synthesis and characterization of diphenylamine units, phthalonitrile precursors, and metalated AAAB phthalocyanine dyes directly address the challenge of developing robust sensitizers. The molecular design innovation introduces novel structures, marking a significant departure from conventional sensitizers. This departure is crucial in enhancing the performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness of perovskite solar cells. T2 - Photophysical features of the synthesized dyes and prepared materials: The emphasis on advanced characterization techniques, including advanced transient spectroscopy and surface analysis, reveals a commitment to unravelling the electronic properties and photophysical features of synthesized dyes. This effort is ambitious in its pursuit of a deeper understanding, going beyond traditional assessments and contributing to the development of sensitizers with superior performance characteristics. T3 - Investigate hybrid materials of (dendritic)diphenylamine phthalocyanine dyes with TiO2: The well-structured plan to address charge recombination issues through chemical manipulation of TiO2 is strategically aligned with overcoming a critical challenge in perovskite solar cells. By introducing (dendritic)diphenylamine phthalocyanine dyes to tune the electronic features of TiO2, the project aims to push the boundaries of current understanding, striving for breakthroughs in charge transfer interactions and, consequently, enhanced cell efficiency and stability. T4 - Design, build, and study photovoltaic solar cells: Construction of perovskite solar cell prototypes also in collaboration with external institutions (UAMadrid and UErlangen) signifies an ambitious effort to validate synthesized sensitizers in real-world applications. This collaborative approach is forward-thinking and extends beyond traditional boundaries, fostering interdisciplinary development and ensuring the project's outcomes are poised to make substantial contributions to the field. The project goes beyond the state of the art by introducing novel concepts, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in phthalocyanine sensitizers for perovskite solar cells.