Self-scrubbing Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovksite solar cells (PSCs) are a new family of solar cell that is showing excellent potential for delivering low-cost, scalable solar electricity generation on large scale. Whilst power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20% are now often being reported for small area research-grade solar cells the emphasis is shifting to applications for these new devices. However, concerns about possible lead (Pb) contamination is hampering deployment. This project is part of a collaborative EPSRC funded project involving three universities which aims to address potential Pb contamination in the event of solar cell failure and water ingress by including new Pb self-scrubbing scaffolds. The aim of this project is to construct prototype environmentally safe demonstration PSCs with enhanced operational stability that could be mass produced and have power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%.

3.5 years duration, proposed start date October 2019.

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in chemistry or a materials science discipline.