Patricia Saenz Mendez came to Karlstad University in 2020, in the midst on the pandemic. A rather strange start, but as a newly appointed docent in chemistry, she feels that she is in exactly the right place.
- I completed my PhD in Uruguay and after that I ended up in Sweden. Before Karlstad University, I was a postdoc at KTH and Örebro University, as well as at University of Gothenburg for a short period, says Patricia Saenz Mendez.
Solar cell researchers from Karlstad University have once again conducted experiments in zero gravity during parabolic flights in Bordeaux, France. The aim is to study how the structure of the active layer of the polymer solar cell is formed, to thereby be able to increase its efficiency.
– This is the second time we have conducted experiments during parabolic flights, says Jan van Stam, Professor of Physical Chemistry at Karlstad University.
Solar cell research at Karlstad University has been granted further funding from the Swedish National Space Agency, SNSA. Later this year, the research group in chemistry and materials physics will carry out experiments under microgravity conditions on parabolic flights in Bordeaux, France.
Carbon nanotubes are of great interest in both scientific research and commercial applications thanks to the unique properties of the material. A new thesis at Karlstad University looks at how the atomic structure influences the different properties of the material.
- At the moment, there are too few measuring standards and no proper classification system for carbon nanotubes, says Mattias Flygare, recently qualified doctor of physics who just published his thesis.
The research on organic solar cells at Karlstad University takes another step forward, thanks to a research grant from the Swedish Research Council.
- We are going to study the molecular interactions between the electron donating and the electron accepting molecules, says Ellen Moons, Professor of Physics and leader for the research project.
Over the last decade, perovskites have received much attention in solar cell research all over the world. Perovskite solar cells combine the benefits of the high performance of conventional silicon solar cells and the low cost of polymer-based solar cells.
Carbon based nano materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes were predicted a brilliant future when they were discovered. But quality problems curb the development of new products. The problem is that it is difficult to analyse the crystal structure and there are no established standard methods for classifying the materials.
Karlstad University continues to strengthen its cooperation with external partners. Recently a letter of intent was signed on student cooperation with Uddeholm, a world-leading supplier of tool steel.
”Parts of Uddeholm’s world-leading research and development are located in Värmland.
On 1 January Karlstad University launched three research and development projects as part of Academy for Smart Specialisation, a partnership between the university and Region Värmland aiming to renew regional industry and strengthen research.
Three projects at Karlstad University are the recipients of EU funds to a sum of 21 million SEK. The decision was made by the North Mid-Sweden Structural Fund Partnership on 15 December 2016.
”We are very pleased with this decision of the North Mid-Sweden Structural Fund Partnership. The funds will contribute to strengthening research at the university and the continued development of Värmland,” says Åsa Bergenheim, vice chancellor.
The synchrotron radiation facility MAXIV in Lund is now officially open. The facility is financed and used by twelve Swedish universities, and one of them is Karlstad University.
On 21 June at 13:08:55, with the sun in zenith, the greatest Swedish investment in the research infrastructure ever was inaugurated, the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund.
