Lattice Anchoring Mediated Colloidal Quantum Dot Passivated Perovskite Superlattice Toward High Ambient Tolerance Multiple-Junction Solar Cells

Project description: Organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites solar cells (PSCs) have gained considerable attention and are recognized as promising third-generation photovoltaic technology due to their excellent photovoltaic performance and high compatibility with cost-effective manufacturing processes.[1,2] Significant progress has been made in increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs in recent years, and they have achieved a PCE of 23%. At present, the research on perovskites is mainly focused on interface modification to improve operational stability and enhance the use of the solar spectrum.[2] Considering the existence of these factors, finding a hybrid structure which can not only passivate Perovskite but also matches its conduction and valence band edges is an effective way to address the spectral utilization and ambient tolerance challenge confronting PSCs. In this project, novel ‘lattice-anchored’ hybrid materials that combine perovskites with colloidal QDs [3,4] will be systematically studied and developed. The lattice matching between the two materials can provide a stability exceeding that of the constituents. The lattice-anchored QDs:perovskite solid is predicted to enable a doubling in charge carrier generation and improving carrier mobility as a result of a reduced energy barrier for carrier transport as well as a better spectral match to the solar spectrum[1,5].

 For more information, or if there are any questions, please contact Dr Bo Hou HouB6@cardiff.ac.uk

The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline. 

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements) 

How to apply 

Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy. 

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including: 

• your academic CV 

• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English 

• a personal statement/covering letter 

• two references, at least one of which should be academic. Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk  

Please note: We are do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.     

In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.

In the funding section, please select that you will be self-funded or include your own sponsorship or scholarship details.

Once your application is submitted, we will review it and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.