General Information
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 focused our efforts on 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 focused 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 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 overview of our past and ongoing research.
Experimental Approach
Photovoltaic solar energy is continuously advancing, and with the work we undertake in our research labs, we are attempting to deliver the foundations for enabling the next generation of improved photovoltaic technologies. Activities in our group range from new materials discovery, 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 efficiency. 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 and Prof Michael Johnston 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).
Commercial Technology Transfer
With assistance from Oxford University Innovation (the University’s technology 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.