Peptide controlled growth of photoactive lead halide perovskite materials for solar and photodetector applications

Lead halide perovskites have shown tremendous promise as materials for novel photovoltaics with exceptionally high efficiencies and low cost manufacture, but their application is limited due to the inherent stability of the materials. We have recently shown that polymer gel or peptide additives can enhance the stability of perovskite materials. Furthermore, the use of peptides offers a potentially sustainable route to synthesis of these stable materials. Peptides can also be designed to form self-assembled structures which in turn controls the growth of the inorganic phase. The choice of amino acids in the peptides can potentially be used to tailor the crystal growth of the inorganic phase, govern the stacking of the peptide and also the conductivity of the peptide.

In this project we shall investigate the use of synthetic peptides in controlling the crystal growth and the efficiency of perovskite solar cells and photodetectors. The coice of solvent mixture on the self-assembly of the peptides and resultin inorganic phase obtained will also be investigated with the aim of producing stable, high efficiency perovskite solar cells.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Comments/amends: Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Enquiries

If you wish to discuss this project with the supervisor before you apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Andrew Thomas - andrew.g.thomas@manchester.ac.uk.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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