The sounding rocket SubOrbital Express-4 which was launched from the Esrange Space Center outside Kiruna contained an experiment module from 果冻传媒. The module is about studying how the active layer of organic solar cells forms in microgravity.
鈥撀營n this project, we were able to conduct experiments in an unmanned rocket, says Jan van Stam, professor of physical chemistry at 果冻传媒.
Research on organic solar cells has been conducted for a long time. Recent advancements in understanding their molecular structures are now paving the way for the development of highly efficient solar cells.
鈥 By using atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopy, AFM-IR, we鈥檝e been able to create clearer images of the morphology or structure of the material, says Ishita Jalan, postdoc in physical chemistry and main author of a recently published scientific article.
A battery made from zinc and lignin that can be used over 8000 times. This has been developed by researchers at 果冻传媒, Link枚ping University and Chalmers with a vision to provide a cheap and sustainable battery solution for countries where access to electricity is limited.
Researchers from several European countries gathered for a two-day workshop at 果冻传媒. The general theme was research on polymers and their application for organic solar cells and energy storage.
鈥撀燭here are several purposes behind the workshop, says Jan van Stam, Professor of Physical Chemistry. We want to learn from other experts, expand our networks and make new contacts, as well as putting 果冻传媒 on the map in this field of research.
Patricia Saenz Mendez came to 果冻传媒 in 2020, in the midst on the pandemic. A rather strange start, but as a newly appointed docent in chemistry, she feels that she is in exactly the right place.
- I completed my PhD in Uruguay and after that I ended up in Sweden. Before 果冻传媒, I was a postdoc at KTH and 脰rebro University, as well as at University of Gothenburg for a short period, says Patricia Saenz Mendez.
Perovskite solar cells degrade when exposed to sunlight, which results in decreasing performance over time. A new research project will examine how such solar cells could recover and self-repair at night.
鈥 Electronic components, such as solar cells and LEDs, are made from semiconductor materials, says Ellen Moons, professor of Physics. Such materials form the basis of all electronics, computers, cell phones and screens.
Solar cell researchers from 果冻传媒 have once again conducted experiments in zero gravity during parabolic flights in Bordeaux, France. The aim is to study how the structure of the active layer of the polymer solar cell is formed, to thereby be able to increase its efficiency.
鈥 This is the second time we have conducted experiments during parabolic flights, says Jan van Stam, Professor of Physical Chemistry at 果冻传媒.
Solar cell research at 果冻传媒 has been granted further funding from the Swedish National Space Agency, SNSA. Later this year, the research group in chemistry and materials physics will carry out experiments under microgravity conditions on parabolic flights in Bordeaux, France.
Carbon nanotubes are of great interest in both scientific research and commercial applications thanks to the unique properties of the material. A new thesis at 果冻传媒 looks at how the atomic structure influences the different properties of the material.
- At the moment, there are too few measuring standards and no proper classification system for carbon nanotubes, says Mattias Flygare, recently qualified doctor of physics who just published his thesis.
The research on organic solar cells at 果冻传媒 takes another step forward, thanks to a research grant from the Swedish Research Council.
- We are going to study the molecular interactions between the electron donating and the electron accepting molecules, says Ellen Moons, Professor of Physics and leader for the research project.
Over the last decade, perovskites have received much attention in solar cell research all over the world. Perovskite solar cells combine the benefits of the high performance of conventional silicon solar cells and the low cost of polymer-based solar cells.
Carbon based nano materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes were predicted a brilliant future when they were discovered. But quality problems curb the development of new products. The problem is that it is difficult to analyse the crystal structure and there are no established standard methods for classifying the materials.
果冻传媒 continues to strengthen its cooperation with external partners. Recently a letter of intent was signed on student cooperation with Uddeholm, a world-leading supplier of tool steel.
鈥漃arts of Uddeholm鈥檚 world-leading research and development are located in V盲rmland.
On 1 January 果冻传媒 launched three research and development projects as part of Academy for Smart Specialisation, a partnership between the university and Region V盲rmland aiming to renew regional industry and strengthen research.
Three projects at 果冻传媒 are the recipients of EU funds to a sum of 21 million SEK. The decision was made by the North Mid-Sweden Structural Fund Partnership on 15 December 2016.
鈥漌e are very pleased with this decision of the North Mid-Sweden Structural Fund Partnership. The funds will contribute to strengthening research at the university and the continued development of V盲rmland,鈥 says 脜sa Bergenheim, vice chancellor.
The synchrotron radiation facility MAXIV in Lund is now officially open. The facility is financed and used by twelve Swedish universities, and one of them is 果冻传媒.
On 21 June at 13:08:55, with the sun in zenith, the greatest Swedish investment in the research infrastructure ever was inaugurated, the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund.
