Project detail:
The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), at Loughborough University, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, University of Northumbria and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) have been awarded funding from the EPSRC to undertake a program of research to develop thin film solar cells using solution processing techniques. Loughborough's role in the the project, named "“Solution-Processed Inorganic Thin-Film Photovoltaic Devices (SolPV)" aims to develop copper indium gallium diselenide (or CIGS) thin film solar cells with power conversion efficiencies above 15% using scalable manufacturing techniques, reliant on amine-thiol solution chemistry.
Some of the key strategies include:
• Optimisation of the absorber precursor formation to implement scalable manufacturing methods based on solution processing (such as spray coating, slot die, etc).
• Design thermal processing strategies to achieve controlled recrystallisation and compositional grading of the absorber.
• Interface engineering of the absorber/buffer interface to improve solar cell performance, including the ultimate removal of cadmium containing compounds.
The Loughborough funded PhD student will work on the fabrication, characterisation and analysis of thin film CIGS solar cells, with an aim to improve the device performance. Using a variety of structural, composition, and opto-electronic characterisation techniques and analysis methods, the PhD student will aim to develop an understanding of the fundamental limiting processes seen in the devices, to ultimately improve power conversion efficiencies to above 15%.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a Physical Sciences or Engineering subject or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Renewable Energy, Photovoltaics, Materials Science, Semiconductors.
English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).
Funding information:
The studentship is for 3-years and provides a tax-free stipend of £15,609 per annum for the duration of the studentship, plus tuition fees at the UK rate. International (including EU) students may apply however the total value of the studentship will cover the International Tuition Fee Only.
How to apply:
All applications should be made online (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research). Under programme name, select ‘Electronic and Electrical Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number (FP-JB-202122) in your application.
How to apply (continued):
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents:
- Academic transcript/s of your previous degrees showing the modules studied and marks achieved.
- Copies of your degree certificates if you have already graduated.
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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