Perovskite Solar Cells for Indoor light harvesting

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite absorber materials have revolutionised photovoltaics research worldwide with the steepest ever increase in the power conversion efficiency from 3.8% in 2009 to 22.7% in 2017 under AM1.5G 1Sun (1000 Wm-2) conditions. PSCs have the best of both worlds, low temperature solution processability (like organic solar cells) leading to low cost and extraordinary material properties (like inorganic solar cells) leading to high efficiencies. Indoor light harvesting has recently attracted great attention because of unprecedented development of Internet of Things (IoT) which promises a future where a wide variety of consumer electronics, household amenities, bio-medical appliances as well as robotics could be integrated with and controlled via wireless communication systems and hence demand off-grid power sources. However, research focusing on indoor applications of PSCs is still in its infancy. Most of the studies reported on PSCs are under AM1.5G 1Sun conditions for outdoor applications. In the light of these issues, the project proposed aims to develop highly efficient PSCs for indoor applications. .

Team: Dr. Aruna Ivaturi is EPSRC Fellow, Chancellor’s Fellow and Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at University of Strathclyde. Successful candidate will work with world-leading team who has recently won an EPSRC funding of around £1M. The successful candidate will interact closely with Materials and Computational group in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry and with Semiconductor Spectroscopy and Devices group with in Nanoscience Division in the Department of Physics at University of Strathclyde. Interactions with other national groups (Department of Physics, University of Oxford; School of Chemistry & Scottish Microelectronic Centre, University of Edinburgh) and international groups (Department of Physics, Johannes Kepler University) are also envisaged.

Aim and Objectives of the PhD:
1. Development, characterisation and optimisation of highly efficient perovskite solar cells which will work in a wide range of indoor lighting conditions
2. Identifying and addressing the key issues for commercial success.
3. Identifying and Implementing the pathways for successful dissemination, impact and exploitation of the research findings and outputs from the project.

Candidate: You will have a background in material science/chemistry/physics/engineering. Hands on experience in any one or more of the following would be advantageous - nanomaterial synthesis, development of elastic materials, perovskite/organic/solid state dye-sensitised solar cells fabrication, and microelectronic fabrication techniques. A first-class honors or Masters with distinction is the minimum qualification requirement or a combination of qualification and professional experience equivalent to that level. Independent, self-motivation, good team spirit, and excellent communication skills are important assets of the successful candidate. The standard criteria for PG recruitment at University of Strathclyde also applies.

Eligibility criteria:
-Minimum of first class honors or Masters with distinction
-Good references
-Evidence of some research experience e.g. Publication/Conference
-English language tests: IELTS

Please submit your application by e-mail to Dr Aruna Ivaturi ([Email Address Removed]), which should include:
• Cover letter, detailing your experience and motivation for PhD studies
• CV with two referee’s details included
• Other pertinent information (e.g., publications, awards and other distinctions)