Advanced Device Concepts for Next-Generation Photovoltaics
A number of fully funded studentship projects are available and will be associated with an exciting new EPSRC/UKRI-funded Programme Grant, a collaborative project that brings together expertise in photovoltaic materials synthesis and device fabrication, advanced characterisation and modelling. The ambition for this project is to carry out multidisciplinary research, via inter-linked work streams, that will explore and conceive four new photovoltaic device concepts and paradigms, enabling the next major step-change in photovoltaic efficiency. New devices architectures, concentrator PV, quantum cutting, hot-carrier collection and photon transport, will be explored and enabled by absorber materials based on metal-halide perovskites, silicon, and novel low-band-gap chalcogenide-halide semiconductors, supported by fundamental experimental characterisation and materials modelling. Addressing these future advanced concepts through a holistic approach will enable key scientific discoveries and important major technical advances enabling the next generation of PV technologies for beyond 2030.
Applicants for DPhil studentships are invited to choose amongst projects focusing on the following areas:
Design, synthesis and discovery of new inorganic semiconductors with new optoelectronic functionality
Projects will focus on the synthesis, processing and characterisation of novel semiconductors for optoelectronic applications
Advanced experimental characterisation
Projects will focus on the use of advanced electron imaging and diffraction techniques to understand the impact of nanoscale structure on optoelectronic properties
To be considered, applicants must apply for a “DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics” through the University’s online portal (DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics | University of Oxford) and state the above project title and preferred supervisor(s) on their application. The deadline is the 8th January 2025.
Improving halide perovskite photovoltaic performance by understanding how structure and local composition control properties
Supervisors: Prof. Pete Nellist (Materials) and Dr. Nakita Noel (Physics)
Within the last decade, halide perovskites have become one of the most ubiquitous materials in optoelectronics research. Due to their impressive optoelectronic properties-long diffusion lengths, high carrier mobilities and broad, tunable absorption, these materials are currently the front runners in emerging thin-film photovoltaics. While the efficiencies of perovskite photovoltaics (>26%) and light emitting diodes have soared, there are still fundamental questions about the structure-property relationships which exist in these materials that remain unanswered. This overarching goal of this project is to use high-resolution electron microscopy to conduct a detailed investigation into the nanoscale structure/composition of halide perovskite materials and relate this to their (i) optoelectronic properties and (ii) device performance. This includes but is not necessarily limited to the investigation of typical 3D perovskite structures, so-called hollow perovskites, and the interfaces of halide perovskites and charge transport layers. The project will make use of thin-film material processing and characterisation equipment in the Physics department, and of a recently installed STEM/TEM with a number of novel features to allow investigation of beam sensitive materials, including flexible beam intensity control, cryo-fins to reducing icing on sample cooling, high solid-angle EDX spectroscopy and EELS in the Materials department.
Links: https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/our-people/noel
https://www-stemgroup.materials.ox.ac.uk/home
https://imatcdt.chem.ox.ac.uk/programme/research_projects/
The impact of crystallisation kinetics on the stability and optoelectronic performance of halide perovskites
Lead halide perovskites are particularly promising candidates for integration into high performance photovoltaic devices. As this technology moves closer to commercialisation, a fundamental understanding of the growth mechanisms underlying high performance, and importantly, high-stability perovskite thin-films must be achieved. This project aims to establish a deeper understanding of the transformation from precursor materials to high-quality perovskite thin films, mapping conversion processes and defect formation using a combination of chemical, structural and spectroscopic investigations. This will also allow for probing the impact of altering kinetic pathways on the thermodynamic stability perovskite thin-films with the most promising materials being integrated into high-performance photovoltaic or light-emitting devices.