Microspheres for Energy Application

Microspheres That See More: A New Way to Boost Solar Energy Efficiency

Every morning usually starts with a choice - coffee from an espresso machine, a moka pot, or a French press. It turns out that this simple activity perfectly explains what Dr. Katarzyna Sadecka from Ensemble 3 Sp. z o.o. is working on. Just as the grind size of coffee beans affects the flavor of the coffee, particle size in materials determines their properties and application possibilities. In the laboratory, researchers have managed to create microspheres with diameters ranging from 30 to 300 micrometers, which could revolutionize the field of renewable energy.

The research conducted by the scientist demonstrates that, thanks to their unique properties, microspheres can serve as an additional layer in photovoltaic panels. In practice, this means increasing solar cell efficiency - the microspheres absorb radiation that silicon cannot utilize. Thanks to these research results, Dr. Sadecka became a participant in the PRIME project - a science commercialization support program implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science using funds from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. The researcher qualified for the first edition of PRIME together with her team: Wojciech Wegner (Technology Transfer Leader) and Marcin Zimny (Business Leader) to develop competencies in commercializing their research.

The technology developed involves producing microspheres from eutectic materials - composites that, due to their structure, combine features of two different phases and gain new, unique properties. These microspheres can be used as an additional layer in photovoltaic cells, absorbing light that silicon cannot utilize and transferring it in the form of energy. Consequently, they increase the efficiency of solar panels, reducing the cost of energy harvesting and opening up new perspectives for sustainable energy. Such technology will allow not only to harness more power from the sun, but also to lower energy production costs, translating into the availability of cheaper and cleaner energy for everyone.

"The innovativeness of the project lies in the fact that, until now, microspheres made of eutectic materials have not been used in photovoltaics on a commercial scale. We are thus combining two novelties - a unique material and its form. An additional advantage is the possibility of using these microspheres in the security sector, for example, as smart security features for documents or payment cards that react to light in a way that is difficult to counterfeit," adds Dr. Katarzyna Sadecka.

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PRIME is the only "tailor-made" acceleration program for the transfer of knowledge and technology for scientists and their research organizations in Poland, offering support for an individual commercialization path for innovative products. The program provides the opportunity to both develop competencies (e.g., training) and acquire practical skills (e.g., talks with potential recipients). For the authors of the best ideas, individualized support is provided to implement the chosen commercialization path. The PRIME project is financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (#FENG) program. The project is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (#FNP).