Felisa Guzmán
Cutting-edge scientific research and technological development in new semiconductor materials are crystallizing at the Escuela Superior de Física y Matemáticas (ESFM), part of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), offering efficient and cost-effective alternatives for the generation of ultrathin film photovoltaic solar cells, which also involve processes with lower environmental impact.
In the Laboratory of Micro and Nanostructured Film Synthesis, Professor and Researcher María de Lourdes Albor Aguilera studies materials, from their atomic structure, to manipulate their structural, optical, electrical, and morphological properties in order to obtain promising semiconductors for the conversion of solar energy into electricity.
The specialist highlighted that conventional solar panels use silicon, which, despite being abundant in nature, has a high cost of extraction, purification, and processing, coupled with the fact that it generates large-scale waste at the end of its lifespan.
Therefore, at ESFM, the aim is to manufacture ultrathin film photovoltaic solar cells that can integrate photovoltaic modules with similar photovoltaic conversion properties to silicon. Micro and nanostructured semiconductor materials have been developed that are efficient and have a lower environmental impact.
Some findings of the research team, led by Dr. Albor Aguilera, in the technology of Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic solar cells, include the use of Tellurium (Te) and Zinc Telluride (ZnTe) nanostructures as intermediate layers, which have proven to be suitable, as they improve photovoltaic conversion efficiency.
ESFM seeks to manufacture ultra-thin film photovoltaic solar cells that reduce environmental impact
Therefore, these nanometric structures are ideal for use in photovoltaic technology. "For the deposition of thin films by chemical methods, we have innovated a green chemistry process that is registered with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, through which we have managed to reduce the amount of precursor solutions used during the thin film deposition process, reducing toxic waste generated by up to 80 percent," she reported.
The development of these micro and nanostructured materials is the result of the scientific work of polytechnic researchers and graduate, undergraduate, social service, and professional practice students, which opens up possibilities for sustainable technologies, such as smart windows.
"Thus, we would stop installing large frameworks for solar panels on the roofs of buildings, which, after a period of use, become polluting waste, and instead, we can use this technology in existing infrastructure, such as windows, to capture some of the solar energy and convert it into electricity, generating environmental benefits in various ways," she emphasized.
She clarified that ultrathin film solar panels have advantages in using fewer chemicals and materials during the manufacturing process, as well as the possibility of easily manipulating them or even considering recycling processes at the end of their useful life.
"Here, we work magic!" exclaimed Dr. Albor Aguilera, describing the complex processes for manipulating and modifying the atomic structure of semiconductor materials. Enthusiastically, she explained that the mini-modules of photovoltaic solar cells generated at ESFM have great potential in agriculture.
The professor and researcher indicated that photovoltaic technology can be applied to achieve sustainability in greenhouses by harnessing solar radiation. Furthermore, she said they are studying how solar radiation and the use of such greenhouses modify the photosynthesis process for the growth of certain crops.
"We want to implement our development of semi-transparent film cells in a greenhouse so that only a portion of solar radiation reaches the crops, while the rest is converted into electrical energy," she explained.
At ESFM, a prototype greenhouse is being constructed to study crops such as saladet tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries, all of which are Mexican export products with a broad market, noted Dr. Albor Aguilera. She added that, if favorable climatic conditions are met, this technology could enable year-round harvesting with improved nutritional properties.
She recognized that Mexico is geographically privileged for the exploitation of renewable energies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric, in addition to the wealth of natural resources valuable for innovation and the creation of environmentally friendly industries.
The professor and researcher indicated that photovoltaic technology can be applied to achieve sustainability in greenhouses by harnessing solar radiation
Dr. Albor Aguilera highlighted that polytechnic contributions regarding the development of CdTe thin and ultrathin film technology compete internationally and are recognized by her scientific peers.
Her curiosity about physical and chemical phenomena in childhood sparked Dr. María de Lourdes Albor Aguilera's vocation for the study of exact sciences. As a politécnica since high school, she has established a scientific career, a strong commitment to teaching, solid support for women pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers, and an unwavering dedication to science education.
The “de carne y hueso” academic leaves a mark in inspiring new generations of professionals and serves as an inspiration to young people interested in excelling in research.
Through the interactive museum exhibition "Frontier Science vs. Climate Change," the expert, who, along with other ESFM researchers, was recognized with the Research Award in 2014, shares her daily life in the Laboratory of Micro and Nanostructured Film Synthesis at the Superior School of Physics and Mathematics.
This exhibition at the Tezozómoc Museum highlights the work of members of the Energy Network, which is composed of more than 50 researchers from various academic units and research centers, who are engaged in renewable energy projects.
With a wealth of scientific articles, Dr. Albor Aguilera aims to bring her inventions into practical use and make them influential in technological developments that help mitigate climate change
Selección Gaceta Politécnica #165. (August 31st, 2023). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here
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