Researchers at Tampere University in Finland have launched a new project, NEBULAE, funded through the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships programme. Led by Dr. Khaldoon Nasser, the project seeks to develop next-generation, eco-friendly materials that can boost the performance of solar cells while also opening opportunities in photonics.
At the heart of NEBULAE is an innovative use of lead-free perovskite nanocrystals. Traditional perovskite solar cells absorb mainly visible light, leaving the near-infrared portion of the solar spectrum largely untapped. NEBULAE aims to change this by embedding ytterbium-doped perovskite nanocrystals into glass materials.
“These nanocrystals act as spectral converters, transforming low-energy infrared photons into visible light,” explains Dr. Nasser. “This enables solar cells to capture a broader share of the sun’s energy and achieve higher efficiencies.”
By combining sustainability with high-performance design, the project could have significant implications beyond solar power, including fibre lasers, optical amplifiers, and other photonic technologies. NEBULAE thus represents a step toward materials that not only enable a clean energy transition but are also environmentally responsible.
“This work has the potential to redefine how perovskites are applied across industries and to accelerate the global shift toward sustainable energy,” Dr. Nasser adds.
The project contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by advancing clean energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NEBULAE, formally titled “Eco-friendly ytterbium-doped perovskite nanocrystals embedded in glasses for solar cells”, has secured nearly EUR 200,000 in funding from the European Commission. Dr. Nasser carries out the research under the supervision of Professor Laeticia Petit at Tampere University.
