Research database

STORE-LIGHT - Photoelectrodes that STORE LIGHT energy

Duration:
01/03/2024 - 31/08/2025
Principal investigator(s):
Project type:
UE-funded research - HE - Excellent Science - ERC
Funding body:
COMMISSIONE EUROPEA
Project identification number:
101138070
PoliTo role:
Coordinator

Abstract

European Green Deal requires novel solutions for renewable energy. Solar energy is not constant and hence an unstable power source owing to its intermittent in nature. Therefore, storage of solar energy is an important issue. Our new technology combines solar energy conversion and storage into one, thus delivering the opportunity to exploit the benefits of solar energy conversion also beyond the availability of sunlight. Our compact two-in-one technology avoids the need to connect two separate devices, thus lowering maintenance cost and technological support, connection losses and device bulkiness, together providing a more efficient and easy solution towards the integration in the daily life or to other functional systems. Hence, the objectives offered by STORE-LIGHT are two-fold: 1) Development of photo-storage electrode. 2) Towards the development of full photon energy storage devices and micro-devices. The proposed technology has as at core two major key enabling results (KERs), which we would like to propose and push towards the commercialization phase. First, KER 1 is represented by the stand-alone photo-storage system that functions as a photon energy harvester and converter and in the same time as an energy storage compartment. The second KER 2 is represented by the micro- photo-storage device (KER 2) with similar properties but targeting integration in micro-electronics and IoT. The development of integrated solar-to-charge storage systems are of major importance to exploit the full potential of solar energy, and in the same time extending the limits of conventional energy storage systems. A photo-responsive storage system as planned in STORE-LIGHT, achieving direct and seamless solar energy conversion and storage in one single compact architecture, would be a transformative approach to power off-grid devices. Such unique photo-to-charge storage technology will ultimately affect extended application areas such as self-powered sensors or net-generation micro-electronics.

Structures

Keywords

ERC sectors

PE5_6 - New materials: oxides, alloys, composite, organic-inorganic hybrid, nanoparticles

Sustainable Development Goals

Obiettivo 6. Garantire a tutti la disponibilità e la gestione sostenibile dell’acqua e delle strutture igienico-sanitarie

Budget

Total cost: € 150,000.00
Total contribution: € 150,000.00
PoliTo total cost: € 150,000.00
PoliTo contribution: € 150,000.00