We are excited to announce that Thomas Rath from Graz University of Technology has been awarded the prestigious Zero Emissions Award for his groundbreaking research on organic solar cells. This award, Austria’s largest privately funded grant for climate-relevant basic research, underscores the significance of Rath’s innovative work in the field of photovoltaics. His research focuses on improving the efficiency and resource-efficiency of organic solar cells, which are known for being lightweight, extremely thin, and flexible. These properties offer new possibilities for emission-free electricity production and can be manufactured on a large scale in a resource- and cost-efficient manner.
Thomas Rath’s research is particularly relevant to the SMARTLINE-PV project, which aims to develop advanced, lead-free tin perovskite solar cells. Both projects share a common goal of enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of photovoltaic technologies. Rath’s interdisciplinary approach includes aspects of materials chemistry, device physics, and nanoscale characterization using analytical electron microscopy. His work investigates the properties of halogenated absorber materials in various solar cell architectures, focusing on halogen accumulation in intermediate layers and their effects on the materials, reactions, and processes involved.
The results of these investigations are expected to lead to the development of design approaches for next-generation organic absorber materials, further increasing the efficiency and improving the long-term stability of organic solar cells. This aligns with the SMARTLINE-PV project’s objectives of driving innovation in photovoltaic technology and contributing to Europe’s green energy transition.
Georg Winckler, Chairman of the alpha+ Foundation, emphasized the importance of the Zero Emissions Award, stating, “A successful transformation of the energy system towards climate neutrality requires ideas and impetus from science and research – both of the selected projects make excellent contributions in this direction.” Ursula Jakubek, Deputy Chair of the alpha+ Foundation’s Executive Board and FWF Executive Vice-President, also highlighted the role of philanthropic contributions in supporting groundbreaking research, thanking Patrick S. Dumont for his support.
Patrick S. Dumont expressed his excitement about the outstanding research being carried out in Austria, particularly in areas crucial to combating climate change. He congratulated the first two winners of the Zero Emissions Award, recognizing the potential impact of their projects and the importance of supporting innovative research for the future of humanity.
Thomas Rath’s work on organic solar cells exemplifies the innovative spirit that the SMARTLINE-PV project aims to foster. By advancing the frontiers of photovoltaic technology, both projects are making significant strides towards a sustainable, climate-neutral future. We look forward to seeing the impact of Rath’s research on the field of solar energy and its contributions to the broader goals of the SMARTLINE-PV project.
For more information visit here:
https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/news/detail/zero-emissions-awards-pioneering-projects-for-a-climate-neutral-future
