Our research is focused on understanding the physics, chemistry and materials science of advanced semiconductors and optoelectronic devices, based on solution and vapour deposited materials. The materials base we mainly work with include organic, ceramics and solution processable inorganic semiconductor precursors and nanoparticles, with a significant focus on metal halide perovskites. Historically, we have focussed our efforts upon advancing solar photovoltaic technologies, and increasingly work on materials for light emission and light emitting diodes.

Prior to 2012, we made significant contributions to the fields of dye-sensitized and hybrid (organic-inorganic) solar cells.[1] Since 2012, our efforts have been predominantly focussed upon metal halide perovskites, leading a number of pioneering discoveries and advances. We have specifically made key breakthroughs with; the demonstration of long range ambipolar charge collection in methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite solar cells, [2–4] the introduction of thin-film “planar heterojunction” perovskite solar cell concept,[5,6] realisation of a range of new material compositions and additives to enhance both efficiency and stability and broad advances in understanding the fundamental operation processes occurring in perovskite materials and device under operation and aging. See our “top 20” list of publications for an idea of our past and ongoing research.

Activities in our group range for conceiving and creating new materials, through to theoretical understanding of optoelectronic process in devices. Our group is particularly interested in both improving the state-of-the-art device concepts in terms of absolute performance. Fully understanding electronic losses at material heterojunctions (contact regions between two different semiconductors), and physical and chemical changes which take place during operation and under environmental stressing, remain a challenge. Our experiments include developing novel routes to fabricating functional composites (both bulk and nanoscale), integration into solar cells and light emitting diodes, and device fabrication and characterisation through microscopic and standard electronic characterisation (AFM, SEM, current-voltage measurements under simulated sun light and deriving the photovoltaic action spectra). Further to "fabricate and test" facilities we perform quasi-cw photoinduced absorption, ns-ms transient absorption and transient photocurrent and photovoltage measurements to probe the charge generation mechanism and carrier dynamics within the systems. We also work closely with the groups of Prof. Laura Herz(link is external) and Prof. Michael Johnston(link is external) to perform ultra-fast spectroscopy and collaborate upon thermally evaporated perovskite solar cells, and Prof. Robin Nicholas to work with carbon nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes and graphene.

To enquire about potential research projects, please contact Prof. Henry Snaith (henry.snaith@physics.ox.ac.uk).

With assistance from Oxford University Innovation (the University’s tech transfer company), we have started up two technology companies based upon the research outputs from the group. Any prospective investors or commercial partners are welcome to contact Prof Snaith or appropriate representatives found on the companies websites:

Oxford PV Ltd(link is external)
Helio Display Materials Ltd(link is external)

References

[1] B. E. Hardin, H. J. Snaith, M. D. McGehee, Nat. Photonics 2012, 6, 162.
[2] M. M. Lee, J. Teuscher, T. Miyasaka, T. N. Murakami, H. J. Snaith, Science (80-. ). 2012, 338, 643.
[3] S. D. Stranks, G. E. Eperon, G. Grancini, C. Menelaou, M. J. P. Alcocer, T. Leijtens, L. M. Herz, A. Petrozza, H. J. Snaith, Science (80-. ). 2013, 342, 341.
[4] J. M. Ball, M. M. Lee, A. Hey, H. J. Snaith, Energy Environ. Sci. 2013, 6, 1739.
[5] G. E. Eperon, V. M. Burlakov, P. Docampo, A. Goriely, H. J. Snaith, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2014, 24, 151.
[6] M. Liu, M. B. Johnston, H. J. Snaith, Nature 2013, 501, 395.

Oxford PV – The Perovskite Company, is a spin-out from Professor Henry Snaith’s Group at the University of Oxford. The company has the largest team globally, exclusively focused on developing and commercialising a perovskite based solar technology.

At their current state, silicon PV solar cell technologies will reach their practical 25% efficiency limit in just a few years. Oxford PV perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells have demonstrated a world record efficiency beyond silicon’s record limit and have a roadmap that extends to 35%+ efficiency. The plug and play nature of these tandem solar cells mean they are compatible with existing industry infrastructure and can be built into standard PV modules. Additionally, these cells have demonstrated long-term stability, having passed key IEC industry-standard tests, including damp heat and thermal cycling.

By generating significantly more power on the same footprint as conventional PV, Oxford PV’s technology will make solar energy significantly more cost-efficient and sustainable than incumbent technologies.

The company is now preparing to bring its solar cells to market in 2021 and is building the world’s first volume manufacturing line for perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells.

To read more visit the website(link is external), and see the video below.

Based on ground-breaking developments in perovskites by Oxford and Cambridge University scientists, Helio is creating proprietary materials for a new generation of brighter and more colourful displays that use significantly less power. Helio has exclusively licensed 15 patent families from the universities in light emitting applications of perovskites.

For more information, please visit the website here(link is external).