Internet de les Coses (IoT)

Sustainable and customizable energy solutions for next-generation devices.

The PHOTO-RECIRCUIT project drives the development of sustainable and customizable energy solutions for next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) devices, aimed at extending their lifespan and reducing their environmental impact. This initiative is developing a disruptive printed circuit board (PCB) technology using recycled steel substrates, designed to tackle the industry’s heavy reliance on batteries and critical raw materials.

The solution is based on PCBs with a recyclable steel core, functionalized with advanced vitreous coatings and integrated photovoltaic harvesters. This architecture enables the creation of low-power IoT devices that overcome the thermal limitations of traditional fiberglass, as they are compatible with high-temperature semiconductor processes.

Through this direct integration of photovoltaic technology into the substrate, PHOTO-RECIRCUIT enables new formats for both indoor and outdoor systems, significantly reducing battery usage and electronic waste. This approach acts as a catalyst toward circular electronics—more autonomous, responsible, and aligned with European objectives for sustainability and strategic autonomy.

With a duration of 3 years, the project is funded by the national program “Ayudas a Proyectos de Colaboración Público-Privada” (Public-Private Collaboration Project Grants) under the State Plan for Scientific, Technical, and Innovation Research. The consortium, coordinated by Electrolomas, includes the participation of the Metallic and Ceramic Materials unit of Eurecat, alongside CELSA, IREC, IDONIAL, and TTC.

General Details

Project

PHOTO-RECIRCUIT - Photovoltaic-Integrated Recycled Steel Circuit Boards for Sustainable Low-Power IoT Electronics

Project Reference

SCPP2400C011717XV0

Program and call for tender

Project funded by the State Research Agency (AEI) of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, within the call for Public-Private Collaboration Projects of the State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2024-2027, and co-funded by the European Union.

Related SDGs

Facilitates the use of clean energy in IoT devices by developing electronic substrates with integrated direct photovoltaic harvesting

Drives the technological modernization of the electronics industry toward a more resilient model, utilizing disruptive technologies in PCB manufacturing

Reduces pressure on natural resources in urban environments by decreasing electronic waste and improving the lifespan of smart sensors.

Promotes a circular electronics model using recycled steel and a drastic reduction in reliance on batteries and critical raw materials.

Minimizes the carbon footprint in the manufacturing and maintenance of sensors, which are key tools for environmental monitoring and global energy efficiency.

Establishes a strategic public-private collaboration between technology centres, research institutes, and the industrial sector to accelerate the market transfer of sustainable solutions.