TRE_RD - Capabilities and Services 2014-10-10 ENG

R&D – TRE Tozzi Renewable Energy
Our R&D activities
TRE R&D Division is specialized in research and development activities of technologies for distributed
power generation from renewable sources.
The R&D Division was established in 2006. Ever since, TRE has invested about 5% of the its annual
turnover in the R&D Division. To date, the R&D Division employs 12 researchers and has established
several collaborations with prestigious research centers and institutes, both in Italy and abroad.
The R&D topics are:
- Third-generation solar cells
- Energy storage
- Sustainable mobility
- Microalgae phytoremediation
Third generation solar cells
TRE is active is active in the field of Dye Sensitized Solar
Cells (DSSC), where photovoltaic effect is achieved by a
mechanism similar to photosynthesis in plants.
DSSCs have many advantages over their silicon-based
counterparts: they are transparent, colored, low cost, and
absorb most of the available sunlight also in cloudy
weather and low-light conditions without much impact on
efficiency, while the other traditional cells would fail at
illumination below a certain level.
This technology will be applied mainly in BIPV (building
integrated photovoltaic), such as on facades or smart
windows because of their pleasing aesthetic
characteristics such as transparency and the possibility
of different colors.
Our patent portfolio is available for licensing and can be
divided into two parts: glass-frit sealing technology and
materials for DSSC.
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio
Energy Storage
TRE invests in electrochemical and hydrogen technologies for
energy storage, with the target to optimize the use of energy
produced from renewables, making them programmable.
The intermittency of wind and solar usually requires other
generation resources to step in and support grid stability during a
drop in wind speed or a lack of sunshine on a cloudy day. This
problem can be solved integrating energy storage systems with
distributed solar and wind farms and ensuring a constant and
dispatchable power output.
This stored energy can then be released as needed, providing a
continuous flow of clean energy during periods of high demand or
when wind and solar energy is unavailable or insufficient.
Researchers are currently working on the smart integration of
electrochemical battery systems with wind turbines and
photovoltaic plants for micro-grid applications.
Sustainable mobility
TRE realized various prototypes of hydrogen fuel cell bicycles for sustainable mobility.
Compared to the electrical systems
already on the market this innovative
technology guarantees a higher
autonomy at equal weight and
reduced recharging time of 15
minutes, compared to 6-8 hours of a
conventional battery.
The developed prototypes are part of
an ambitious project of urban mobility
with zero emissions which involves
the construction of fleets of bicycles
and
refueling
stations,
where
hydrogen is produced from water
through the use of renewable energy
sources (sun and wind).
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio
Microalgae phytoremediation
TRE R&D Department realized and is currently testing a pilot plant for the use of microalgae in the
treatment of wastewater produced by biogas plants.
The microalgae are cultivated in High Rate Ponds in
open air and feeded with the liquid residues of biogas
plants: exploiting photosynthesis the microalgae are
able to reduce, or even eliminate, the load of ammonia
nitrogen present in the wastewater.
This phyto-remediation technology allows to reduce
the cost of management of ferti-irrigation (see Nitrates
Directive: LR 4/2007). Moreover, it is self-sufficient: the
micro-algal biomass is re-usable as feedstock within
the same biogas digestion plant.
Our publications
“Solid polymer electrolyte water electrolyser based on nafion-TiO2 composite membrane for high temperature operation”, V. Baglio,
R. Ornelas, F. Matteucci, F. Martina, G. Ciccarella, I. Zama, L. G. Arriaga, V. Antonucci, A. S. Aricò, Fuel Cells, 9 (3), pp. 247-252
[2009] Link
“Investigation of low cost carbonaceous materials for application as counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells”, Denaro T., Baglio
V., Girolamo M., Antonucci V., Arico’ A. S., Matteucci F., Ornelas R., Journal of applied electrochemics, 39 (11), pp. 2173-2179 [2009]
Link
“Novel preparation method of TiO2-nanorod-based photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells with improved light-harvesting
efficiency”, De Marco L., Manca M., Giannuzzi R., Malara F., Melcarne G., Ciccarella G., Zama I., Cingolani R., Gigli G., Journal of
Physical Chemistry C 114 (9), pp. 4228-4236 [2010] Link
“Surfactant-free synthesis of pure anatase TiO2 nanorods suitable for dye-sensitized solar cells”, Melcarne G., De Marco L., Carlino
E., Martina F., Manca M., Cingolani R., Gigli G., Ciccarella G. Journal of Materials Chemistry 20 (34), pp. 7248-7254 [2010] Link
“Modification of micro-channel filling flow by poly(dimethylsiloxane) surface functionalization with fluorine—Substituted
aminonaphthols”, G. Cortese, F. Martina, G. Vasapollo, R. Cingolani, G. Gigli, G. Ciccarella, Journal of Fluorine Chemistry 131, pp.
357–363 [2010] Link
“A polyfluoroalkyl imidazolium ionic liquid as iodide ion source in dye sensitized solar cells”, Abate, A.; Petrozza, A.; Roiati, V.;
Guarnera, S.; Snaith, H.; Lanzani, G.; Matteucci, F.; Metrangolo, P.; Resnati, G., Organic Electronics, vol. 13, (no. 11), pp. 2474-2478
[2012] Link
“Highly stable gel electrolytes for dye solar cells based on chemically engineered polymethacrylic hosts”, De Gregorio G. L., Agosta
R., Giannuzzi R., Martina F., De Marco L., Manca M., Gigli G., Chemical Communications, 48, 3109-3111 [2012] Link
“The Influence of Physico-Chemical Properties of Bare Titania Powders Obtained from Various Synthesis Routes on Their PhotoElectrochemical Performance”, Denaro T., Baglio V., Girolamo M., Neri G., Deorsola F., Ornelas R., Matteucci F., Antonucci V., Aricò
A., Int. J. Electrochem. Sci. (7), pp. 2254-2275 [2012] Link
“Evaluation of N719 amount in TiO2 films for DSSC by thermogravimetric analysis”, Sannino D.; Vaiano V.; Ciambelli P.; Zama I.;
Gorni G.; Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, pp. 1-6 [2012] Link
“Design and testing of a compact PEM electrolyzer system”, Briguglio N., Brunaccini G., Siracusano S., Randazzo N., Dispenza G.,
Ferraro M., Ornelas R., Arico` A.S., Antonucci V., Int. J. of Hydrogen Energy 38 (26), pp. 11519-11529 [2013] Link
“Effect of lithium intercalation on the photovoltaic performances of PhotoVoltaChromic Cells”, Malara F., Cannavale A., Gigli G.,
Progress in Photovoltaics, in press [2013] Link
“Anisotropic Ionic Conductivity in Fluorinated Ionic Liquid Crystals Suitable for Optoelectronic Applications”, Abate A., Petrozza A.,
Cavallo G., Lanzani G., Matteucci F., Bruce D. W., Houbenov N., Metrangolo P., Resnati G., Journal of Materials Chemistry, 09599428 [2013] Link
WO Patent 2009101640, Ciccarella G. et al., “Process for the preparation of titanium dioxide with nanometric dimensions and
controlled shape” Link
WO Patent 2010142445, Resnati G. et al., “New imidazolium salts having liquid crystal characteristics, useful as electrolytes” Link
WO Patent 2011006659, Zama I. et al., “Process for the preparation of titanium dioxide having nanometric dimensions and controlled
shape” Link
WO Patent 2011145120, Martina F. et al., “New gel electrolytes suitable for photoelectrochemical devices” Link
WO Patent 2012035565, Antonini A., “Sealing agent with low softening temperature useful in the preparation of electronic devices”
Link
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio
Research Consulting
Our extensive experience in inorganic and organic materials, electrochemical devices development and
system design & engineering - together with competences in Electronics, Electrotechnics and
Mechanics - has led our researchers to develop specific and flexible know-how for the study of products
and technologies to meet our customer needs.
Patent and Literature Search
Prior art search (novelty, validity, clearance) is the first step of every project in order to know and identify
all relevant publications and patent applications concerning the current state of the art. We manage this
step through direct access to scientific literature and patent databases, as well as with the assistance
of our legal advisors. This information allows us to evaluate the patentability of results found, suggesting
the best way for the protection of intellectual property.
Material Innovation & Formulation Study
Formulation studies involve developing synthesis of inorganic metal oxides (glass-frits, semiconductors,
catalysts, etc) and preparation of organic pastes suitable for screen-printing techniques. Glove-box and
clean rooms (ISO7-ISO8) are also available for specific needs. The development involves the
characterization of reference commercial products and physical, chemical, and mechanical properties
of the pre-formulation blend in order to choose what other ingredients should be used in the preparation.
Formulation studies then consider such factors as particle size, pH, and solubility, as all of these can
influence toxicity, up-scaling, and industrial projected costs.
TRE R&D experts use a comprehensive multi-technique approach, which, as an example, may
include several analytical techniques: X-ray diffraction, EDAX analysis (structure determination, etc.),
Spectroscopy (FTIR, UV-VIS, NMR, etc.), Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), Microscopy (optical,
electronic FE-SEM), Surface characterization (BET specific surface area, profilometer, DLS, Zpotential,
etc.), water content analysis (KF), viscosity measurements.
We help navigate through complex experimental design, parameter setting, data interpretation and
correlation. We investigate changes which may occur during physical transformation processes such
as crystallization, drying, spray drying, milling, granulation, and others.
System Design & Engineering
We are experienced in developing electric, electronic (both HW and SW) and mechanical systems
matching different technologies such as:
• Energy storage systems;
• Power control systems;
• Hydrogen powered systems;
• RES - Renewable Energy Sources;
• Smart Mobility Applications;
Our engineers apply the GEP – Good Engineering Practices – to every activity, the V Model on
system/software development, focusing on the open/close methodology.
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio
Process Development
TRE R&D Division offers support to your product development, exploiting several techniques to
optimize processes or materials for bridging the gap from lab to fab.
Instrument
Clean
room
ISO7-ISO8
preparations
Use
A clean room is an environment, typically used in
manufacturing or scientific research, that has a low
level of environmental pollutants such as dust, airborne
microbes, aerosol particles and chemical vapors.
Spray dryer + Spray drying is a method of producing a dry powder
Inert loop
from a liquid or slurry by rapidly drying with a hot gas.
This is the optimal drying method of many thermallysensitive materials such as foods and pharmaceuticals.
A consistent particle size distribution is a reason for
spray drying some industrial products such as
catalysts.
It is possible to safely carry out laboratory scale spray
drying of organic solvent with inert loop.
Autoclave
A high-pressure reactor for research and development
purposes. Thanks to their thick-walled, PTFE linings,
his reactor is unmatched, particularly where corrosive
media are employed.
Available pressure 200bar.
Glove
box A glove box is a sealed container that is designed to
preparations
allow one to manipulate objects where a separate
atmosphere is desired. It allows manipulation of
substances that must be contained within a very high
purity inert atmosphere, such as argon or nitrogen.
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio
3 roll mill
Three roll mills are widely used to mix electronic thick
film inks, high performance ceramics, cosmetics,
plastisols, carbon/graphite, paints, printing inks,
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, glass coatings, dental
composites, pigment, coatings, adhesives, sealants,
and foods.
Ball milling
A ball mill, a type of grinder, is a device used in grinding
(or mixing) materials like ores, chemicals, ceramic raw
materials and paints.
Automatic
Screen printing
Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a fabric
mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil to define a
desired image. A fill blade or squeegee is moved
across the screen stencil, forcing or pumping ink or any
other printable material into the mesh openings for
transfer by capillary action during the squeegee stroke
onto a substrate. Available areas up to 400x400mm2.
Climatic
chamber
An environmental chamber is an enclosure used to test
the effects of specified environmental conditions on
biological items, industrial products, materials, and
electronic devices and components.
Such a chamber can be used:
- for environmental effects on test specimens
- as preparation of test specimens
Available temperatures -40°C/+180°C.
Sintering oven In most sintering processes, the powdered material is
with controlled held in a mold and then heated to a temperature below
atmosphere/void the melting point. The atoms in the powder particles
diffuse across the boundaries of the particles, fusing
the particles together and creating one solid piece. Max
temperature 650°C.
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio
Analysis
TRE R&D offers analytical support to satisfy a full spectrum of requirements. The characterization and
the study of materials and materials compounds is carried out using the most advanced analysis
techniques, including:
Technique
FE-SEM + EDAX probe
Instrument
S-4500 Hitachi (x400,000 magnification)
+
Ultra dry detector 132 eV with Noran System
Seven 212 E
Optical microscopy
Leica M125 (x150 magnification)
Profilometry
KLA Tencor P-10.
Karl Fisher
831 KF Coulometer Methrom
UV-VIS
Cary 60 - Agilent
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio
Viscosimeter
Brookfield DV-II+Pro with
adapter (spindle SC4-27)
small
sample
Through ongoing collaborations with research center facilities nearby, we have, and can
provide our customers with, free access to the following instruments/techniques:
Z-potential
Acoustosizer II (Colloidal dynamic)
NMR
Varian Inova 600
DLS
BET
FT-IR
X-ray powder diffraction
DSC-TGA
Zetasizer Nanoseries (Malvern Instruments)
FlowSorb II 2300- Sorpty 1750
Thermo Nicolet mod. Avatar 320
Brucker D8 advanced
Q600 TA Instruments.
Testing
TRE R&D offers testing support on electrical, electrochemical, photovoltaic complete devices, both as
prepared and after requested accelerated aging stress tests, including:
Technique
Electrochemical
Impedance
Spectroscopy,
Cyclic
voltammetry/amperometry
Instrument
Autolab PGSTAT302N
+
Booster 20A
Photovoltaic efficiency
Solar Simulator – Abet Technologies
11018
15x15 cm2 Collimated Beam
Temperature control
Output Power: 300-1200 W/m2
Cut-off UV filter available
Complete
fuel
cell
or
electrolyzer cell efficiency or
material validation (catalysts,
membranes) within testing
cells.
Scribner Fuel Cell Test System 850e
Multirange
+
ElectrChem Inc Test Station
Picture
TRE S.p.A. Tozzi Renewable Energy
Sede legale e Direzione:
tel. +39.0544.525311
Capitale Sociale interamente versato € 2.300.000,00
Via Zuccherificio, 10 – 48123 Mezzano (RA) – Italia
fax +39.0544.525319
R.E.A. n.174504/RA
Registro Imprese – C.F. – P.Iva 02132890399
[email protected]
La società è soggetta alle attività di direzione e coordinamento della Tozzi Holding S.r.l. - Società con unico socio