Universidad
Politécnica de Madrid

11.12.2024

Over the last 50 years, optoelectronics has radically transformed various technological areas, from computing to solar energy, thanks to advances in semiconductor materials, which are characterized by having two electronic bands. The research project TANGO will develop materials with 3 electronic bands -taking a qualitative leap- that will make possible to manufacture new optoelectronic devices that so far was impossible to create. To develop this system, colloidal quantum dots will be integrated inside a matrix of semiconductors from the perovskite family (QDIPs). Using extraordinary properties of QDIPs, TANGO will demonstrate the first 3-bands optoelectronic devices: a transistor capable of switching between three states (0,1 and 2) and high-level solar cells.

This is the project that researcher from the Institute of Solar Energy of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Íñigo Ramiro is developing through the funding obtained from the European Research Council (ERC).  

Challenges solved with TANGO research project

Researcher Ramiro admitted that “one of the main challenges of the project was to achieve the viability of these materials at room temperature, for which it is essential to avoid thermal coupling between bands. TANGO proposes a way to erase this coupling using QDIP, creating the first materials of 3 bands with practical application. In addition, -continue the researcher- "the project will develop for the first time electric contacts that will provide simultaneous access to the three electronic bands, which offers a qualitative leap in the versatility of these materials related to traditional semiconductors, allowing the design and manufacture of new devices and applications".

New perspectives in the field of semiconductors

This advance is significant, since although the concept of 3-band materials was first proposed in 1997 by researchers Antonio Luque and Antonio Martí from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, any viable materials have been achieved so far. The UPM researcher says that “the project aims to develop a new family of materials that has the proper properties derived from the 3 bands, thus enabling a revolution and rebirth of the field. In addition, it will develop the first electrical contact to the third band -ambipolar band- which will allow external control over it, something that until now was unknown”.

Iñigo Ramiro lining up efficiency measurements of solar cells

Different levels of impact and applications

Future applications of TANGO are promising. Although this project is an initial proof of concept, in the medium and long term, innovative optoelectronic devices will be developed, such as three-state transistors and high efficiency solar cells. Additionally, TANGO will open new lines of research worldwide, positioning Spain and Europe in the field of 3-bands semiconductors. According to Ramiro, on one hand “the creation of new technologies derived from these materials could promote technology transfer in the future". On the other hand, “the project will provide new doctors and postdoctoral researchers´ training, who will contribute to the scientific-technological ecosystem in Europe”.

The researcher in the photovoltaic installation of the Institute of Solar Energy (IES.UPM)

Scientific career of high potential and leadership

Iñigo Ramiro is a Telecommunications Engineer from the School of Telecommunications Engineering at the UPM and the Institut National des Télécommunications (INT, France), and has a PhD in Photovoltaic Solar Energy from the UPM. His research activity focuses on the development of quantum materials for application in optoelectronics, as well as the study of new energy conversion mechanisms. During his career he has worked in internationally renowned centers such as the Institute of Solar Energy (IES, Spain), the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO, Spain) or the Materials Research Center (CENIMAT|i3N, Portugal). He is currently a Ramón y Cajal Researcher at the UPM.

The ERC, Consolidator aid and recent participation of the UPM

Consolidator Grants from the European Research Council support researchers who have already demonstrated scientific independence, high leadership potential and are in the process of consolidating their own groups or lines of work.

A total amount of 328 projects have obtained financing in the 2024 call, with a success rate of 14.4%, 21 of them in Spanish entities and one in the UPM. The researchers who have obtained funding are from 43 different nationalities.