Perovskite and MXene solar cells

A team of computational scientists from CINE has unraveled the interactions that occur at the atomic level between perovskites and MXenes. The results may guide the design of solar cells that combine the excellent complementary properties that these materials offer. Among other results, the researchers discovered that the presence of MXenes can protect the perovskite solar cell from degradation. “Our findings serve as a practical guide for the development of more efficient and durable solar cells,” says Professor Matheus Paes Lima (UFSCar), a CINE researcher who led the work. Learn more.

Artificial intelligence applied to materials and energy

The first CINE workshop dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence for the development of energy generation and storage technologies was held in São José dos Campos. The event was organized by the Computational Materials Design (CMD) division and brought together approximately 30 participants from academia and companies, including CINE members and external guests. “The main results of the workshop were the integration of the CINE team, the dissemination of research conducted at CMD, and the potential recruitment of new students and researchers for our projects,” says Professor Marcos Quiles (UNIFESP), Co-principal Investigator of CMD and chair of the workshop. Learn more.

Perovskites in space

Researchers from CINE are once again participating in an international collaboration in the field of perovskites. “In this collaboration with research groups from China and Russia, we are working together to address cutting-edge topics in perovskite knowledge, such as applications in space and the issue of environmental stability,” says Professor Ana Flávia Nogueira (UNICAMP), researcher and Director of CINE. The work resulted in the publication of a perspective article that was highlighted by the journal Energy Advances as “Recent Hot Article”. One of the study’s distinguishing features is showing that perovskite solar cells are very promising for use in satellites, given their resistance to space radiation and temperatures. Learn more.

In the second seminar of 2026, the CINE Talks program will host postdoctoral researcher Raissa Venâncio to discuss the challenges and solutions of transforming laboratory discoveries into manufacturable batteries and supercapacitors. The young scientist will explore the relationship between the physicochemical properties of electrolytes and the processes that can be used to produce them. The presentation will serve as a guide for the fabrication of energy storage systems and also as inspiration for the development of devices compatible with large-scale production. To participate in the lecture, simply fill out the form available here by April 16.

Check out the news article in Pesquisa Fapesp magazine about the electrochemical process, developed within CINE, that transforms nitrate (a common pollutant in wastewater and effluents) into green ammonia (a raw material for fertilizers). The research resulted in a patent that was licensed to a startup in 2025.

See also the news story from Agência Fapesp about a project carried out within the CINE framework to optimize sodium-based supercapacitors – sodium being an element similar to lithium in performance, but more abundant on the planet.

Follow us on social media