Sub nanometre coatings for energy storage and harvesting applications

Global energy generation is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, and unless these ’dirty’ sources are replaced by sustainable energy technologies such as photovoltaics (PV) and wind, global warming will quickly become unmanageable. PV is the fastest growing energy technology, and is capable of providing a substantial fraction (tens of percent) of global energy generation over the coming decades. In order for this to be realised, integrated battery technologies must become more affordable, which can be achieved if their performance and longevity are improved without increasing manufacturing costs. The Electronic Materials and Interfaces Group at Warwick Engineering is working towards innovating thin film solutions which will facilitate improved device performance and cost reductions in both PV and battery technologies. Much of our research is in close collaboration with industrial partners and we frequently collaborate with many of the world’s leading institutions.

This PhD program will focus on developing atomic layer deposited (ALD) thin film technologies for protecting silicon based anodes in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and carrier selective contacts in crystalline silicon based solar cells. Central to the project is Warwick’s new £400k ALD facility which was commissioned in the Science City Cleanroom in early 2018. The objective will be to develop a fundamental understanding of the electronic and physical properties at the atomic scale and how processes can be manipulated in order to achieve optimal long-term performance. The PhD program may also include developing ionic solutions which can be used to enhance the electronic properties of ALD films and/or their use as the electrolyte in LIBs.

The student will gain experience with cleanroom processing (including wet chemistry and thin film depositions), and cutting-edge materials characterisation by electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. In addition, the student will use silicon-specific analytical techniques including minority carrier lifetime measurements, and photoluminescence imaging.

The project would suit someone with a physics, chemistry, materials science, or electrical engineering background. Dr Grant and Prof Murphy are experts in the field of silicon materials and thin film coatings for PV. Warwick is part of the EPSRC Supergen Solar Network+ (EP/S000763/1) so there will be opportunities for collaboration with other universities in the UK. There are likely to be opportunities for visiting international laboratories for short periods, and for attendance at national and international conferences.

Potential applicants should send their CV to the supervisors by e-mail ([Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed] and) or using the contact form below.