Porcelain stoneware substrate for architectural integration of perovskite photovoltaic cells (BONIFACE)
The research project Porcelain stoneware substrate for architectural integration of perovskite photovoltaic cells (BONIFACE) aims to integrate solar energy into building envelopes through halide perovskite photovoltaic cells deposited on ceramic substrates. The project employs scalable, low-cost manufacturing methods with the goal of generating energy directly within façades and improving the thermal efficiency of buildings.
To achieve this overall objective, a series of specific goals have been defined:
- To integrate photovoltaic technology based on halide perovskites onto scalable ceramic substrates, aimed at enabling energy generation within the architectural envelope.
- To develop and apply scalable, low-cost manufacturing methods for photovoltaic cells on ceramic substrates.
- To assess the economic viability of the system through a complementary study (BONIFACE2), supported by experimental data generated within the project.
- To measure the performance and stability of the cells under real operating conditions to obtain experimental data on efficiency and durability.
- To prioritise net daily energy production over large surfaces (e.g. south-facing façades) rather than efficiency per unit area alone, seeking solutions applicable at building scale.
The Nanostructured Films and Particles Research Group at the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragón (INMA) — a joint institute of the University of Zaragoza and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) — leads the project, in collaboration with EUROARCE and Gres Aragón, both part of Grupo SAMCA.
This project, funded by the Spanish State Research Agency under the 2023 Public-Private Collaboration programme, stands out for its collaborative nature. The combination of INMA’s expertise in nanomaterials and Grupo SAMCA’s industrial know-how makes it possible to address challenges from multiple perspectives, bridging fundamental research and industrial application.
The BONIFACE project was awarded the 5th Multidisciplinary Innovation Award granted by the SAMCA Chair for Technological Development of Aragón. In 2025, the award recognised its innovative character and its transformative potential in sustainable energy.
