PhD Studentship: Hydrogenation of algal lipids to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)
A fully funded PhD studentship is available under the supervision of Dr Ewa Marek, with a start date of 1 January 2025. Funding will cover the student's stipend and tuition fees at the UK rate. Non-UK applicants will be considered only if they can fund the overseas fees differential or if they are awarded a suitable scholarship. (Please note that there are no additional funds available via the University for which applicants can apply.)
Background: The EU has set a highly ambitious goal to increase the share of SAFs in the aviation industry from 2% in 2025 to 64% by 2050. Microalgae can play a critical role in meeting this fuel target, but the commercialisation of biofuels from microalgae has been hampered by systemic and technological limitations. This PhD will address the current problems in the hydrogenation of algal lipids. The work will be embedded and supported by the EU/UKRI-funded project SusAlgaeFuel. Besides producing SAFs, SusAlgaeFuel aims to develop a range of innovative approaches based on waste treatment, digital sensors, cascading biorefinery, and multifunctional catalysts to enable a more sustainable and cost-competitive production of microalgae aviation fuels. Thus, this PhD is a perfect opportunity to participate in a multifaceted research project, collaborating with 8 project partners.
Objectives: The conversion pathways for algae lipids to HEFA-SPK will be investigated experimentally, developing a novel, algae-specific bifunctional catalyst for hydrogenation reactions. The overarching ambition of this project is to characterise the algae lipid-to-HEFA conversion process and understand the catalytic mechanisms that promote the production of SPK-desired C9-C15 alkanes from algal feedstocks. This will be achieved by analysing high-granularity experimental data obtained for varied feedstock composition/catalyst/support combinations in a single- and two-step process approach. The innovative nature of this research promises to make a significant impact in the field of sustainable aviation fuels.
The experimental work will require building new experimental facilities and modernising our existing bench-top micro-reactors (Autoclave Engineers BTRS and Carberry Spinning Basket), followed by extensive experimental campaigns. The composition of the collected SPK samples will be assessed with GC and LC/MS, with results assessed using Machine Learning- algorithms for future predictions and process optimisations. Results from small-scale experiments will identify the best process parameters and catalysts for HEFA-SPK from the algal feedstock. The final part of this work will focus on scaling up the catalytic process to a lab pilot, producing 1 kg of HEFA-SAF.
Requirements: Applicants should have a First Class (or high Upper Second Class) mark in all previous degrees in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, chemical technology, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related subject. Those whose qualifications were completed outside the UK should check if they qualify before applying: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/international-qualifications Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master's study or while working, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants must submit a formal application for admission with the supporting documents, indicating Dr Ewa Marek as the prospective supervisor and note the vacancy reference number, NQ42394, in the research proposal field. For further information about the full entry requirements, application process, and a link to the on-line application please see: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egcepdcng
We are unable to consider late or incomplete applications for this studentship, so applicants should ensure that they apply in good time for references to be provided. Please note that the applicant portal will close after 31 July, and you will not be able to apply for this studentship. Applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of the deadline, as staff may not be able to address last minute queries/assist with problems.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Ewa Marek, ejm94@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference NQ42394 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
PhD Studentship: Hydrogenation of algal lipids to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)
A fully funded PhD studentship is available under the supervision of Dr Ewa Marek, with a start date of 1 January 2025. Funding will cover the student's stipend and tuition fees at the UK rate. Non-UK applicants will be considered only if they can fund the overseas fees differential or if they are awarded a suitable scholarship. (Please note that there are no additional funds available via the University for which applicants can apply.)
Background: The EU has set a highly ambitious goal to increase the share of SAFs in the aviation industry from 2% in 2025 to 64% by 2050. Microalgae can play a critical role in meeting this fuel target, but the commercialisation of biofuels from microalgae has been hampered by systemic and technological limitations. This PhD will address the current problems in the hydrogenation of algal lipids. The work will be embedded and supported by the EU/UKRI-funded project SusAlgaeFuel. Besides producing SAFs, SusAlgaeFuel aims to develop a range of innovative approaches based on waste treatment, digital sensors, cascading biorefinery, and multifunctional catalysts to enable a more sustainable and cost-competitive production of microalgae aviation fuels. Thus, this PhD is a perfect opportunity to participate in a multifaceted research project, collaborating with 8 project partners.
Objectives: The conversion pathways for algae lipids to HEFA-SPK will be investigated experimentally, developing a novel, algae-specific bifunctional catalyst for hydrogenation reactions. The overarching ambition of this project is to characterise the algae lipid-to-HEFA conversion process and understand the catalytic mechanisms that promote the production of SPK-desired C9-C15 alkanes from algal feedstocks. This will be achieved by analysing high-granularity experimental data obtained for varied feedstock composition/catalyst/support combinations in a single- and two-step process approach. The innovative nature of this research promises to make a significant impact in the field of sustainable aviation fuels.
The experimental work will require building new experimental facilities and modernising our existing bench-top micro-reactors (Autoclave Engineers BTRS and Carberry Spinning Basket), followed by extensive experimental campaigns. The composition of the collected SPK samples will be assessed with GC and LC/MS, with results assessed using Machine Learning- algorithms for future predictions and process optimisations. Results from small-scale experiments will identify the best process parameters and catalysts for HEFA-SPK from the algal feedstock. The final part of this work will focus on scaling up the catalytic process to a lab pilot, producing 1 kg of HEFA-SAF.
Requirements: Applicants should have a First Class (or high Upper Second Class) mark in all previous degrees in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, chemical technology, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related subject. Those whose qualifications were completed outside the UK should check if they qualify before applying: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/international-qualifications Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master's study or while working, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants must submit a formal application for admission with the supporting documents, indicating Dr Ewa Marek as the prospective supervisor and note the vacancy reference number, NQ42394, in the research proposal field. For further information about the full entry requirements, application process, and a link to the on-line application please see: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egcepdcng
We are unable to consider late or incomplete applications for this studentship, so applicants should ensure that they apply in good time for references to be provided. Please note that the applicant portal will close after 31 July, and you will not be able to apply for this studentship. Applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of the deadline, as staff may not be able to address last minute queries/assist with problems.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Ewa Marek, ejm94@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference NQ42394 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Finance Coordinator
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology is seeking to recruit a dedicated, versatile and proactive Finance Co-ordinator. This is an exciting position which will support the Finance Manager in providing specialist financial administration, reporting and grant-costing services to research and academic staff across the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.
The ideal candidate will have relevant practical experience of finance planning and analysis work within an Accounts setting. You will have the ability to prioritise work, maintain accuracy, excellent analytical skills, organisation skills and attention to detail and work to tight deadlines. You will have excellent Accounting skills including competence in IT packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
You will be expected to: Manage and monitor staff time requirements for research grants via timesheets and trackers, ensuring regular completion, which complies with the funder's terms and conditions.
Raise complex research grant applications via the University's costing tool.
Carry out Accounts Payable and purchasing duties including approval of supplier invoices, receiving requisitions from staff and students and placing orders on iProcurement.
Carry out Accounts Receivable duties including raising any customer invoices, credit notes and resolving queries Month end procedures.
Process student and non-staff expense claims.
Benefits of working at University of Cambridge include: Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases;
Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave inclusive of bank holidays for full time employees, pro rata'd for part time employees;
Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare);
An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution; Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores.
The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd of August 2024. Interviews will take place soon after.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Vito Candela (HR Administrator) at email: hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
Applications closing dates 2nd of August 2024
Please quote reference NQ42234 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Finance Coordinator
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology is seeking to recruit a dedicated, versatile and proactive Finance Co-ordinator. This is an exciting position which will support the Finance Manager in providing specialist financial administration, reporting and grant-costing services to research and academic staff across the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.
The ideal candidate will have relevant practical experience of finance planning and analysis work within an Accounts setting. You will have the ability to prioritise work, maintain accuracy, excellent analytical skills, organisation skills and attention to detail and work to tight deadlines. You will have excellent Accounting skills including competence in IT packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
You will be expected to: Manage and monitor staff time requirements for research grants via timesheets and trackers, ensuring regular completion, which complies with the funder's terms and conditions.
Raise complex research grant applications via the University's costing tool.
Carry out Accounts Payable and purchasing duties including approval of supplier invoices, receiving requisitions from staff and students and placing orders on iProcurement.
Carry out Accounts Receivable duties including raising any customer invoices, credit notes and resolving queries Month end procedures.
Process student and non-staff expense claims.
Benefits of working at University of Cambridge include: Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases;
Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave inclusive of bank holidays for full time employees, pro rata'd for part time employees;
Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare);
An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution; Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores.
The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd of August 2024. Interviews will take place soon after.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Vito Candela (HR Administrator) at email: hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
Applications closing dates 2nd of August 2024
Please quote reference NQ42234 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Finance Coordinator
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology is seeking to recruit a dedicated, versatile and proactive Finance Co-ordinator. This is an exciting position which will support the Finance Manager in providing specialist financial administration, reporting and grant-costing services to research and academic staff across the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.
The ideal candidate will have relevant practical experience of finance planning and analysis work within an Accounts setting. You will have the ability to prioritise work, maintain accuracy, excellent analytical skills, organisation skills and attention to detail and work to tight deadlines. You will have excellent Accounting skills including competence in IT packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
You will be expected to: Manage and monitor staff time requirements for research grants via timesheets and trackers, ensuring regular completion, which complies with the funder's terms and conditions.
Raise complex research grant applications via the University's costing tool.
Carry out Accounts Payable and purchasing duties including approval of supplier invoices, receiving requisitions from staff and students and placing orders on iProcurement.
Carry out Accounts Receivable duties including raising any customer invoices, credit notes and resolving queries Month end procedures.
Process student and non-staff expense claims.
Benefits of working at University of Cambridge include: Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases;
Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave inclusive of bank holidays for full time employees, pro rata'd for part time employees;
Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare);
An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution; Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores.
The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd of August 2024. Interviews will take place soon after.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Vito Candela (HR Administrator) at email: hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
Applications closing dates 2nd of August 2024
Please quote reference NQ42234 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)
The Structured Materials Group, headed by Professor Geoff Moggridge (https://www.ceb.cam.ac.uk/research/groups/sm), is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to complete an NIHR i4i PDA, "Regulatory bench-testing of a transformational polymeric heart valve: a key step toward a first-in-human trial to benefit patients aged 18-80 with one valve type."
The overall goal of this project is to finalise the design of, and test in vitro, a polymeric prosthetic heart valve with improved performance over current clinical standards, mechanical or tissue valves. Mechanical valves have indefinite durability, but require lifelong anticoagulation medication (Warfarin), carrying significant health risks and reduction in quality of life for the patient. Tissue valves have excellent blood compatibility, but only last 10-15 years in the patient. The Structured Materials Group has developed a polymeric valve which has the promise of combining the advantages of both mechanical and tissue valves. The vacancy arises as a result of the current post holder obtaining a tenured academic position. The job is available from 1 August 2024, or as soon thereafter as possible, and will run until the end of the grant, 31 May 2025. The grant is a collaboration between the Universities of Cambridge (lead organisation), Bristol, York and the West of England, Royal Papworth Hospital and CamBris Cardiac Ltd. CamBris Cardiac is a spin out company started to commercialise and bring to clinic the polymeric prosthetic heart valve being designed in this project. The successful candidate will work closely with CamBris Cardiac in ensuring the commercial as well as technical success of the project.
The role holder will: (1) Refine the design to optimise the performance of the valve ; (2) Manufacture heart valve prototypes (3) Perform hydrodynamic and durability testing of polymeric valves; (4) Material characterization of polymers; (5) Develop valve holders and sizers; (6) Complete device description, labelling, performance and shelf-life specifications.
The successful candidate will have familiarity with a CAD drawing package (Solidworks or similar) to create and modify drawings of complex 3D objects; and will work in the lab, manufacturing and testing polymeric valves and related objects. Knowledge of manufacturing methods such as 3D printing, injection moulding and CNC milling, and/or Finite Element Modelling are also desirable.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD; those without a PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. Further enquiries should be directed to Geoff Moggridge (gdm14@cam.ac.uk).
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2025 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
Application closing date 19th July 2024.
Please quote reference NQ42235 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
The Structured Materials Group, headed by Professor Geoff Moggridge (https://www.ceb.cam.ac.uk/research/groups/sm), is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to complete an NIHR i4i PDA, "Regulatory bench-testing of a transformational polymeric heart valve: a key step toward a first-in-human trial to benefit patients aged 18-80 with one valve type."
The overall goal of this project is to finalise the design of, and test in vitro, a polymeric prosthetic heart valve with improved performance over current clinical standards, mechanical or tissue valves. Mechanical valves have indefinite durability, but require lifelong anticoagulation medication (Warfarin), carrying significant health risks and reduction in quality of life for the patient. Tissue valves have excellent blood compatibility, but only last 10-15 years in the patient. The Structured Materials Group has developed a polymeric valve which has the promise of combining the advantages of both mechanical and tissue valves. The vacancy arises as a result of the current post holder obtaining a tenured academic position. The job is available from 1 August 2024, or as soon thereafter as possible, and will run until the end of the grant, 31 May 2025. The grant is a collaboration between the Universities of Cambridge (lead organisation), Bristol, York and the West of England, Royal Papworth Hospital and CamBris Cardiac Ltd. CamBris Cardiac is a spin out company started to commercialise and bring to clinic the polymeric prosthetic heart valve being designed in this project. The successful candidate will work closely with CamBris Cardiac in ensuring the commercial as well as technical success of the project.
The role holder will: (1) Refine the design to optimise the performance of the valve ; (2) Manufacture heart valve prototypes (3) Perform hydrodynamic and durability testing of polymeric valves; (4) Material characterization of polymers; (5) Develop valve holders and sizers; (6) Complete device description, labelling, performance and shelf-life specifications.
The successful candidate will have familiarity with a CAD drawing package (Solidworks or similar) to create and modify drawings of complex 3D objects; and will work in the lab, manufacturing and testing polymeric valves and related objects. Knowledge of manufacturing methods such as 3D printing, injection moulding and CNC milling, and/or Finite Element Modelling are also desirable.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD; those without a PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. Further enquiries should be directed to Geoff Moggridge (gdm14@cam.ac.uk).
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2025 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
Application closing date 19th July 2024.
Please quote reference NQ42235 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on computational modelling of prosthetic heart valves with Dr Shelly Singh-Gryzbon in the department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. Funding is available for a 1 year fixed-termed post in the first instance.
The aim of the project is to develop and validate computational models and simulations for assessing clinical outcomes of aortic valve replacement procedures. Research will be focused on valve thrombosis, coronary obstruction, and structural implications of valve-in-valve procedures.
Necessary qualifications include a PhD in a relevant subject area. Candidates must demonstrate experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and/or fluid-structure interactions (FSI) for problems involving large deformations. Experience with experimental fluid and structural mechanics or medical device design would also be an advantage.
Key responsibilities include developing and validation computational models and simulations, exercising independent responsibility for project development of research outcomes, writing up work for presentation and publication, collaborating with academic, clinical and industrial partners, assisting in the supervision of student research projects, and mentoring graduate students.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
Applications closing dates 30th June 2024
Please quote reference NQ41631 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Enhancing Drug Delivery Efficacy Through Bilayer Coating of Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Sustained Release and Improved Chemical Stability and Cellular Uptake for Cancer Therapy
Chem Mater. 2024 Apr 11;36(8):3588-3603. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c02954. eCollection 2024 Apr 23.
ABSTRACT
The development of nanoparticle (NP)-based drug carriers has presented an exciting opportunity to address challenges in oncology. Among the 100,000 available possibilities, zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising candidates in biomedical applications. Zr-MOFs can be easily synthesized as small-size NPs compatible with intravenous injection, whereas the ease of decorating their external surfaces with functional groups allows for targeted treatment. Despite these benefits, Zr-MOFs suffer degradation and aggregation in real, in vivo conditions, whereas the loaded drugs will suffer the burst effect-i.e., the fast release of drugs in less than 48 h. To tackle these issues, we developed a simple but effective bilayer coating strategy in a generic, two-step process. In this work, bilayer-coated MOF NU-901 remained well dispersed in biologically relevant fluids such as buffers and cell growth media. Additionally, the coating enhances the long-term stability of drug-loaded MOFs in water by simultaneously preventing sustained leakage of the drug and aggregation of the MOF particles. We evaluated our materials for the encapsulation and transport of pemetrexed, the standard-of-care chemotherapy in mesothelioma. The bilayer coating allowed for a slowed release of pemetrexed over 7 days, superior to the typical 48 h release found in bare MOFs. This slow release and the related performance were studied in vitro using both A549 lung cancer and 3T mesothelioma cells. Using high-resolution microscopy, we found the successful uptake of bilayer-coated MOFs by the cells with an accumulation in the lysosomes. The pemetrex-loaded NU-901 was indeed cytotoxic to 3T and A549 cancer cells. Finally, we demonstrated the general approach by extending the coating strategy using two additional lipids and four surfactants. This research highlights how a simple yet effective bilayer coating provides new insights into the design of promising MOF-based drug delivery systems.
PMID:38681089 | PMC:PMC11044268 | DOI:10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c02954
Remanufacturing Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules-A Holistic Case Study
ACS Sustain Resour Manag. 2024 Jan 31;1(3):417-426. doi: 10.1021/acssusresmgt.3c00042. eCollection 2024 Mar 28.
ABSTRACT
While perovskite photovoltaic (PV) devices are on the verge of commercialization, promising methods to recycle or remanufacture fully encapsulated perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules are still missing. Through a detailed life-cycle assessment shown in this work, we identify that the majority of the greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by re-using the glass substrate and parts of the PV cells. Based on these analytical findings, we develop a novel thermally assisted mechanochemical approach to remove the encapsulants, the electrode, and the perovskite absorber, allowing reuse of most of the device constituents for remanufacturing PSCs, which recovered nearly 90% of their initial performance. Notably, this is the first experimental demonstration of remanufacturing PSCs with an encapsulant and an edge-seal, which are necessary for commercial perovskite solar modules. This approach distinguishes itself from the "traditional" recycling methods previously demonstrated in perovskite literature by allowing direct reuse of bulk materials with high environmental impact. Thus, such a remanufacturing strategy becomes even more favorable than recycling, and it allows us to save up to 33% of the module's global warming potential. Remarkably, this process most likely can be universally applied to other PSC architectures, particularly n-i-p-based architectures that rely on inorganic metal oxide layers deposited on glass substrates. Finally, we demonstrate that the CO2-footprint of these remanufactured devices can become less than 30 g/kWh, which is the value for state-of-the-art c-Si PV modules, and can even reach 15 g/kWh assuming a similar lifetime.
PMID:38566747 | PMC:PMC10983827 | DOI:10.1021/acssusresmgt.3c00042