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- Aerogel cathodes for electrochemical CO2 reduction [Comunicação oral]Publication . Messias, Sofia; Fialho, Maria T.; Paninho, A. B.; Branco, Luis C; Nunes, A. V. M.; Martins, Rodrigo; Mendes, Manuel Joao; Nunes, D.; Rangel, C. M.; Machado, AnaABSTRACT: Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide powered by renewable energy to produce fuels and chemicals is a technology with potential to contribute to an economy based on a carbon neutral cycle. The development of cost effective, highly active and stable catalysts for CO2 electroreduction is being intensively researched. This work addresses the development of aerogel supported copper-zinc bimetallic catalysts[1]. Aerogels are substances with exceptional properties with many current and potential applications [2-3]. Due to their high surface area, stability in corresponding gaseous or liquid phases, transport through large meso and macropores they are especially suited as catalysts and carrier materials for catalysis and, when electric conductive for electro-catalysis. Aerogels prepared by the sol gel method and impregnated with metallic particles will be tested as cathodes for the co-electrolysis of CO2 and water to produce syngas at temperatures near room temperature and high-pressure. In this way this process can be directly coupled to other high pressure processes, such as Fischer-Tropsch that use high pressure syngas as raw material. Productivities and faradaic efficiencies will be evaluated. The characterization of the aerogel-based cathodes will be undertaken by surface analysis techniques. BET surface areas will be determined. The catalytic cathodes will be tested in an ionic liquid-based electrolyte as a way to increase current densities, due to the high CO2 solubilities exhibited by some ionic liquid families.
- Sub-Bandgap Sensitization of Perovskite Semiconductors via Colloidal Quantum Dots IncorporationPublication . Ribeiro, Guilherme; Ferreira, G.; Menda, U.D.; Alexandre, Miguel; Brites, Maria João; Barreiros, M. Alexandra; Jana, S.; Águas, Hugo; Martins, Rodrigo; Fernandes, P.A.; Salomé, P.M.P.; Mendes, M.J.ABSTRACT: By taking advantage of the outstanding intrinsic optoelectronic properties of perovskite-based photovoltaic materials, together with the strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption and electronic confinement in PbS quantum dots (QDs), sub-bandgap photocurrent generation is possible, opening the way for solar cell efficiencies surpassing the classical limits. The present study shows an effective methodology for the inclusion of high densities of colloidal PbS QDs in a MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead iodide) perovskite matrix as a means to enhance the spectral window of photon absorption of the perovskite host film and allow photocurrent production below its bandgap. The QDs were introduced in the perovskite matrix in different sizes and concentrations to study the formation of quantum-confined levels within the host bandgap and the potential formation of a delocalized intermediate mini-band (IB). Pronounced sub-bandgap (in NIR) absorption was optically confirmed with the introduction of QDs in the perovskite. The consequent photocurrent generation was demonstrated via photoconductivity measurements, which indicated IB establishment in the films. Despite verifying the reduced crystallinity of the MAPbI3 matrix with a higher concentration and size of the embedded QDs, the nanostructured films showed pronounced enhancement (above 10-fold) in NIR absorption and consequent photocurrent generation at photon energies below the perovskite bandgap.
- Copper-Arsenic-Sulfide Thin-Films from Local Raw Materials Deposited via RF Co-Sputtering for PhotovoltaicsPublication . Centeno, Pedro; Alexandre, Miguel; Neves, Filipe; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, Rodrigo; Águas, Hugo; Mendes, Manuel JoaoABSTRACT: he inexorable increase of energy demand and the efficiency bottleneck of monocrystalline silicon solar cell technology is promoting the research and development of alternative photovoltaic materials. Copper-arsenic-sulfide (CAS) compounds are still rather unexplored in the literature, yet they have been regarded as promising candidates for use as p-type absorber in solar cells, owing to their broad raw material availability, suitable bandgap and high absorption coefficient. Here, a comprehensive study is presented on the structural and optoelectronic properties of CAS thin-films deposited via radio-frequency magnetron co-sputtering, using a commercial Cu target together with a Cu-As-S target with material obtained from local resources, specifically from mines in the Portuguese region of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Raman and X-ray diffraction analysis confirm that the use of two targets results in films with pronounced stoichiometry gradients, suggesting a transition from amorphous CAS compounds to crystalline djurleite (Cu31S16), with the increasing proximity to the Cu target. Resistivity values from 4.7 m ohm center dot cm to 17.4 ohm center dot cm are obtained, being the lowest resistive films, those with pronounced sub-bandgap free-carrier absorption. The bandgap values range from 2.20 to 2.65 eV, indicating promising application as wide-bandgap semiconductors in third-generation (e.g., multi-junction) photovoltaic devices.
- Tuning cathode porosity for electrochemical reduction of CO2 at high pressure [Resumo]Publication . Messias, Sofia; Fialho, Maria T.; Paninho, A. B.; Nunes, A. V. M.; Branco, Luis C; Nunes, D.; Martins, Rodrigo; Mendes, Manuel Joao; Rangel, C. M.; Machado, AnaABSTRACT: The development of active and stable catalytic cathodes is critical for advancing electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction into fuels and chemicals from Lab to market. This is a technology with a high potential to contribute to combat climate changes by using captured CO2, water and renewable energy [1]. The use of pressures higher than atmospheric pressure to carry out the co-electrolysis of CO2 and water has been recognized as an important process intensification parameter to increase productivities and energy efficiency [2]. Ongoing work addresses the preparation of aerogels by the sol gel method and impregnation with zinc and copper metallic particles to be used as cathodes for the co-electrolysis of CO2 and water to produce syngas at temperatures near room temperature and high-pressure. Ionic liquid-based electrolytes are used to increase CO2 concentration at the surface of the electrode and consequently productivities, as some ionic liquid families are known to solubilize high amounts of CO2. Aerogels have been investigated for many different applications including as catalyst supports, due to their high surface area, stability in gaseous or liquid phases, and efficient transport through large meso and macropores. The present work reports a strategy to tune the pore sizes of the catalytic electrodes by the use of reticulating agents and supercritical CO2 drying. Productivities and faradaic efficiencies of the porous materials with the different reticulating agents are compared and interpreted in respect to their surface characterization e.g. BET surface areas and morphologies determined by SEM. The potential of new aerogel-based catalytic cathodes on the efficiency of the electrochemical CO2 reduction will be discussed and its impact in fostering supercritical fluids technology through its use in processes for the mitigation of climate changes.
- Prediction of sunlight-driven CO2 conversion: producing methane from photovoltaics, and full system design for single-house applicationPublication . Vieira, F.; Sarmento, B.; Machado, Ana; Facão, Jorge; Carvalho, Maria João; Mendes, Manuel Joao; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, RodrigoABSTRACT: CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) technologies are being immensely researched as means to close the anthropogenic carbon cycle. One approach known as artificial photosynthesis uses solar energy from photovoltaics (PV), carbon dioxide and water to generate hydrocarbon fuels, being methane (CH4) a preferential target due to the already in place infrastructures for its storage, distribution and consumption. Here, a model is developed to simulate a direct (1-step) solar methane production approach, which is studied in two scenarios: first, we compare it against a more conventional 2-step methane production route, and second, we apply it to address the energetic needs of concept buildings with usual space and domestic hot water heating requirements. The analysed 2-step process consists in the PV-powered synthesis of an intermediate fuel - syngas - followed by its conversion to CH4 via a Fischer -Tropsch (methanation) process. It was found that the 1-step route could be adequate to a domestic, small scale use, potentially providing energy for a single-family house, whilst the 2-step can be used in both small and large scale applications, from domestic to industrial uses. In terms of overall solar-to-CH4 energy efficiency, the 2-step method reaches 13.26% against the 9.18% reached by the 1-step method. Next, the application of the direct solar methane technology is analysed for domestic buildings, in different European locations, equipped with a combination of solar thermal collectors (STCs) and PV panels, in which the heating needs that cannot be fulfilled by the STCs are satisfied by the combustion of methane synthesized by the PV-powered electrolyzers. Various combinations of situations for a whole year were studied and it was found that this auxiliary system can produce, per m(2) of PV area, in the worst case scenario 23.6 g/day (0.328 kWh/day) of methane in Stockholm, and in the best case scenario 47.4 g/day (0.658 kWh/day) in Lisbon.
- Estratégias fotónicas para fotovoltaico : novos avanços para além da óticaPublication . Mendes, Manuel Joao; Sanchez-Sobrado, O.; Haque, S.; Centeno, Pedro; Alexandre, Miguel; Ribeiro, Guilherme; Boane, J.; Mateus, T.; Mouquinho, Ana; Menda, U.D.; Águas, H.; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, RodrigoRESUMO: Estruturas fotónicas com tamanhos comparáveis aos comprimentos de onda da luz solar são as soluções preferenciais para melhorar a eficiência de dispositivos fotovoltaicos através de aprisionamento de luz. As micro-estruturas fotónicas aqui desenvolvidas operam no regime de ótica de ondas, pelo que foram construídos modelos eletromagnéticos que permitiram encontrar os parâmetros ótimos para aplicação no contacto frontal de diferentes tipos de tecnologias, nomeadamente em células de filme fino baseadas em silício ou perovskite. Desta forma, foram obtidas diferentes arquiteturas fotónicas de células, demonstrando melhoras de até 50% na eficiência relativamente a células de referência planas. Os resultados mostram que as vantagens da aplicação de estruturas fotónicas não estão só limitadas a ganhos óticos de melhora da absorção, mas também possibilitam outros benefícios importantes tais como: ganhos elétricos devido à melhora dos contactos transparentes, e melhor desempenho em condições ambientais devido a um encapsulamento avançado dos dispositivos que confere até propriedades de auto-limpeza dos mesmos.
- Ultrafast low-temperature crystallization of solar cell graded formamidinium-cesium mixed-cation lead mixed-halide perovskites using a reproducible microwave-based processPublication . Brites, Maria João; Barreiros, M. Alexandra; Corregidor, V.; Alves, L. C.; Pinto, Joana V.; Mendes, Manuel Joao; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, Rodrigo; Mascarenhas, JoãoABSTRACT: The control of morphology and crystallinity of solution-processed perovskite thin-films for solar cells is the key for further enhancement of the devices’ power conversion efficiency and stability. Improving crystallinity and increasing grain size of perovskite films is a proven way to boost the devices’ performance and operational robustness, nevertheless this has only been achieved with high-temperature processes. Here, we present an unprecedented low-temperature (<80 °C) and ultrafast microwave (MW) annealing process to yield uniform, compact, and crystalline FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I(1–x)Brx)3 perovskite films with full coverage and micrometer-scale grains. We demonstrate that the nominal composition FA0.83Cs0.17PbI1.8Br1.2 perovskite films annealed at 100 W MW power present the same band gap, similar morphology, and crystallinity of conventionally annealed films, with the advantage of being produced at a lower temperature (below 80 °C vs 185 °C) and during a very short period of time (∼2.5 min versus 60 min). These results open new avenues to fabricate band gap tunable perovskite films at low temperatures, which is of utmost importance for Mechanically flexible perovskite cells and monolithic perovskite based tandem cells applications.
- Ultrafast low-temperature crystallization of solar cell graded formamidinium-cesium mixed-cation lead mixed-halide perovskites using a reproducible microwave-based process [Poster]Publication . Brites, Maria João; Barreiros, M. Alexandra; Corregidor, V.; Alves, L. C.; Pinto, Joana V.; Mendes, Manuel Joao; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, Rodrigo; Mascarenhas, João
- Recursos locais para aplicações multifuncionais de captação de energia com base em tetraedritePublication . Neves, Filipe; Esperto, Luís; Figueira, Isabel; Mascarenhas, João; Correia, J.B.; Joyce, A; Guimarães, Fernanda; Salgueiro, Rute; Silva, Teresa; de Oliveira, Daniel Pipa Soares; Lopes, E.B.; Gonçalves, António Pereira; Centeno, Pedro; Mendes, M.J.; Águas, H.; Martins, Rodrigo; Gil, Luís; Almeida, PatríciaRESUMO: Este trabalho descreve as principais linhas de investigação que estão em curso no âmbito do projeto LocalEnergy (http://localenergy.lneg.pt). LocalEnergy é um projeto multidisciplinar de Investigação, Desenvolvimento e Inovação (I&D&I), envolvendo atividades no domínio da ciência dos materiais, da geologia e das energias renováveis. Essas atividades estão orientadas para a indústria e assentam numa abordagem disruptiva visando o desenvolvimento de materiais termoelétricos, através da utilização de materiais à base de tetraedrites naturais e sintéticas, e o desenvolvimento de novos absorsores para células solares de filmes finos, usando materiais à base de tetraedrites sintéticas. Considerando que Portugal é um dos países europeus com maior nível de irradiação de energia solar e que a tetraedrite é um recurso mineral local, presente na Zona Sul Portuguesa da Faixa Piritosa Ibérica, o projeto LocalEnergy representa uma oportunidade para o desenvolvimento de sistemas energéticos sustentáveis baseados na maximização e exploração de dois importantes recursos endógenos (energia solar e recursos minerais).
- LocalEnergy: Local Resources for Multifunctional Tetrahedrite-based Energy: Harvesting ApplicationsPublication . Neves, Filipe; Correia, J.B.; Esperto, Luís; Mascarenhas, João; Figueira, Isabel; de Oliveira, Daniel Pipa Soares; Salgueiro, Rute; Silva, Teresa; Santos, Beatriz; Lopes, E.B.; Gonçalves, António Pereira; Centeno, Pedro; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, Rodrigo; Águas, Hugo; Mendes, Manuel Joao