PhD Studentship in Physics – improving the performance and stability of solar cells based on hybrid perovskite materials

Number of awards:

1

Start date and duration:

September 2018 for 3.5 years.

Overview:

Topic: Renewable Energy – Photovoltaics

This PhD studentship is aimed at improving the performance and stability of solar cells based on hybrid perovskite materials. These materials are semiconductors with optoelectronic properties reminiscent of gallium arsenide, meaning they achieve device efficiencies on par with our best solar materials such as poly-crystalline silicon, but can be printed with conventional ink-jet printing equipment. Perovskite material synthesis doesn’t require expensive deposition infrastructure, you can prepare perovskite solar cells with equipment found in your own kitchen and still reach efficiencies well above typical commercial solar panels.

The main objective of this multidisciplinary project is to prepare a new type of perovskite solar cell based on coupling newly developed Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites with a high-performance hybrid halide perovskite material. This additional new material resembles quantum-well structures (picture a lasagna where each layer is only a few atoms thick), where the typical perovskite components (lead iodide octahedra) layers are separated by a hydrophobic organic layer. This layer serves a dual purpose: it encapsulates the perovskite material, making the device more stable; and helps which charge collection, therefore enhancing the efficiency of the system.

Sponsor:

School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics (https://bit.ly/2H8omTt), Newcastle University.
Name of supervisor(s):

Dr Pablo Docampo (https://bit.ly/2uHU6My).

Eligibility Criteria:

UK/EU applicants who have or expect a first class or high 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related engineering subject such as electrical engineering. A Masters qualification in a relevant subject area will be highly advantageous.

Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 6.5.

How to apply:

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system. To do this please ‘Create a new account’ (https://bit.ly/2GRdITh).

All relevant fields should be completed, but fields marked with a red asterisk must to be completed. The following information will help us to process your application. You will need to:

•insert the programme code 8821F in the programme of study section
•select ‘PhD Physics (full time)” as the programme of study
•insert the studentship code MSP009 in the studentship/partnership reference field
•attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code MSP009 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
•attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.

You should also send your covering letter and CV to Dr Pablo Docampo (https://bit.ly/2uHU6My) to [Email Address Removed]