She joined the IER-UNAM researchers to collaborate on the project ‘Antimony sulphide selenide thin film solar cells and prototype modules by chemical deposition.’ The objective is to optimize the fabrication of antimony sulfide selenide (Sb-S-Se) thin film solar cells using chemical deposition methods.
The collaboration with UNAM University in Mexico was established owing to the TUL research group’s engagement in the international project COST Action CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics (RENEW-PV). It opened up opportunities for scientists from all over the world to work collaboratively on photovoltaic technologies and provided the funding from an internal grant scheme Short-Term Scientific Misssion.
TUL professor Katarzyna Znajdek thus describes her experiences in Mexico:
‘During my visit to IER-UNAM, I learned new practical skills for laboratory work. Step by step, I learned how the IER group in Temixco makes thin-film antimony sulphide selenide solar cells. All layers of the photovoltaic structure are deposited in a chemical bath. Using this method, I made dozens of working solar cells. All the way through, I was supported by a wonderful group of lab researchers and their leader, dr Nair. I was also able to see how the cells performed when directly exposed to sunlight by monitoring their parameters in real-time.’
The researcher further explained that the fellowship was an amazing opportunity for her not only professionally but also in terms of culture.
‘The Mexican researchers at IER-UNAM welcomed me with extraordinary kindness and openness. I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet dr P. Karunakaran Nair who is so enthusiastic about science. My sincere thanks go to the entire lab team, especially Yarela Colín García, for their professional help and valuable guidance. Special thanks also go to dr Esteban Ojuda who directly contributed to the start of this Polish-Mexican cooperation.’
The Thin Film Photovoltaics teams at Lodz University of Technology and IER-UNAM intend to continue their cooperation. They are currently working on a research publication based on the results of the experiments conducted during TUL professor Katarzyna Znajdek's visit to Mexico. Next, they will be working on a joint application for a research grant for further studies on antimony sulfide selenide thin-film photovoltaic cells.