The project will involve selecting and testing materials that can be used in the production of perovskite based solar cells and determining their ability to perform in extreme environments. Perovskite solar cells have considerable potential for use in extreme environments such so those found in space or at high altitude. The aim is to identify materials that could be used for each of the multiple layers needed in a perovskite solar device and determine their suitability for application on satellites and/or high altitude vehicles.
This will be achieved by selecting suitable materials and then charactering their performance using a range of experimental techniques such as electron microscopy, sheet resistance measurement, absorbance spectroscopy, ellipsometry, x-ray and neutron scattering and device performance measurement before, during and after exposure to well controlled extreme environments. Fully functional test devices will also be made to determine characterise the interactions that occur between the different layers within the device across the interfaces between them. This is intended to be an experimental PhD, but a sound understanding of device and materials physics will be required.
Training in how to make perovskite solar cells and a wide variety of materials characterisation techniques will be provided.
Solar energy is a rapidly expanding area of industry.
Well-equipped lab facilities are available, including most of the characterisation techniques listed. For x-ray and neutron scattering analysis applications to Diamond Light Source and the ISIS neutron facility will be made.
Please see this link for information on how to apply: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/postgraduate/phd/how-apply. Please include the name of your proposed supervisor and the title of the PhD project within your application.
Applicants should have a 1st Class or 2:1 in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or a similar subject. If English is not your first language then you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) average of 6.5 or above with at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent. Please see this link for further information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/english-language.