BrainMap

Lucian Pintilie

- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Expertise & keywords

CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES IN FERROELECTRIC PEROVSKITE HETEROSTRUCTURES: FROM THEORY TO APPLICATIONS Call name:
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0047 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/control-of-electronic-properties-in-ferroelectric-perovskite-heterostructures-from-theory-to-applications/

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to obtain ferroelectric materials with controlled electronic properties at the same level as these properties are controlled in Si. This will be realized by hetero-valent doping, correlated with stress engineering and band gap engineering without affecting, as much as possible, the ferroelectric properties. The main objective is complex and ambitious because, up to date, there was no experimental demonstration that it possible to obtain n or/and p type conduction in epitaxial ferroelectrics. The successful achievement of this objective will open a new domain, that of ferroelectric electronics or ferrotronics, by producing electronic devices of p-n homo-junction type or junction transistors with ferroelectric materials. Two types of materials are envisaged, namely lead titanate-zirconate (PZT with tetragonal structure and a mixed bismuth ferrite (BFO) with bismuth chromit (BCO). In the first case the heterovalent doping will be studied on Pb or Zr/Ti sites with the aim to obtain n and p type conduction. The final goal is to produce a p-n homo-junction based on epitaxial PZT films. In the second case band gap engineering will be tested by varying the Fe/Cr content, and the dominant conduction mechanism will be identified, the goal being to use the material in photovoltaic applications. The activities will contain: theoretical studies regarding the relation between dopants, electronic properties and the ferroelectricity, including self-doping effects or electrostatic doping; target preparation for deposition of thin films; epitaxial growth of the film; characterization activities of the structure and physical properties. Not only classic doping in the target is envisaged but also doping during the epitaxial growth. The consortium is composed of 4 teams from three different institutions, including a number of 14 young researchers full time equivalent.

Perovskites for Photovoltaic Efficient Conversion Technology Call name: EEA Research Programme under EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014
EEA-JRP-RO-NO-2013-1-0116 2013 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); University of Oslo (NO); Science Institute, University of Iceland (IS); Reykjavík University (IS); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The perovskites, having general formula ABO3, with A and B cations of different valences, are multifunctional materials. Depending on the composition they can behave very differently, having properties specific to metals, dielectrics, ferroelectrics, ferro(ferri)magnetics or super- and semiconductors. Most of these materials are inorganic, as for example the well-known ferroelectrics BaTiO3 or PbTiO3. Other perovskites can be hybrid, if the cation A is replaced with an organic radical. This is the case for halide perovskite compounds (CH3NH3PbX), with X=Br, Cl, I, found recently to possess excellent light absorbing properties in the visible-near infrared spectrum. The use of these materials in solar cells had led to a rapid increased of the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) in the last year up to about 15 %. The typical solar cell is including a transparent electrode (ITO or FTO, both quite expensive and with deficient materials), a TiO2 layer as electron transporter, a halide perovskite as light absorber, a hole transporter (e.g. spiro-OMeTAD), and a counter electrode (e.g. Ag). All these layers can be deposited by low cost technologies. The combination of the relatively high PCE with the low cost technologies makes this type of hybrid photovoltaic solar cell very attractive for future development.
The main objective of the project is to develop perovskite-based photovoltaic devices towards “all perovskite” solar cells with power conversion efficiencies approaching 20% and fabricated with affordable, environmental friendly materials and technologies. The specific objectives are: 1) to understand the mechanisms behind the high efficiency obtained using a hybrid halide perovskite as visible-light absorber; 2) to increase the PCE by using oxide perovskites with ferroelectric properties (e.g. BaTiO3) as carrier transporter; 3) to develop flexible solar cells by replacing the ITO/FTO transparent electrode with metallic nanowebs. The project goals go well beyond the present state-of-the art by trying to integrate a ferroelectric layer as carrier transporter, taking advantage of the presence of its spontaneous polarization, and by replacing the ITO or FTO electrodes with a metallic nanoweb offering more robustness and flexibility.
The final goal is to have an efficient structure with transparent electrodes on both sides, able to collect not only the sun-light but also the light coming from the artificial sources used, especially during the winter, inside office buildings or large malls. Therefore, the project has a very high innovative potential. On the other hand, in-depth studies will be performed in order to understand the physical phenomena in perovskite solar cells. Ways to enhance the performances can be found if the physics behind the functioning of these devices is well understood and if the fabrication technologies are well mastered.
A broad range of complementary experimental techniques – all available within the consortium - will be used to prepare and characterize these structures. Regarding the preparation, the goal is to use low cost printing like methods for deposition of the component layers in the final device. Other methods (e.g. sputtering, vapour deposition or laser ablation) will be used to prepare samples for investigating the physical properties in relation with the structural, electrical and optical quality. The feedback will be used to improve the deposition methods and the structure architecture. Also, the experimental results will be used as inputs in theoretical models allowing predictions for further enhancement of the PCE. The consortium is composed by 6 partners: 3 from Romania (a national research institute as coordinator, an university and a SME as end-user); 2 from Iceland (2 universities), and 1 from Norway (university). The consortium members have all the necessary skills, expertise and infrastructures to successfully fulfill the project objectives within the requested budget.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator
List of research grants as partner team leader
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects