Unlocking Next-Generation Solar Cells: Integrating Novel Non-Fullerene Acceptors with Metal Halide Perovskites

Details

Solar cells are a cornerstone of the pursuit of sustainable energy. To make solar power more efficient and affordable, we need new materials and innovative designs. Metal halide perovskite (MHP) photovoltaics are a cutting-edge technology that have simple low-temperature (~100 ℃) fabrication routes. The efficiency of MHP photovoltaics has increased dramatically, from ~10% to 26.1% over the past decade, comparable with the best silicon cells in the world (26.8%).

MHPs are highly versatile with ‘tuneable bandgaps’, and so can be combined into ‘triple-junction’ photovoltaics, which promise efficiencies almost double a single silicon cell. In this approach, three semiconductors that absorb different colours of light are coupled to harvest more solar energy with vastly reduced losses. 

However, the bottleneck is the wide bandgap component of the triple-junction which absorbs the high energy blue light. The reasons for its poor performance are not fully understood, but recent work has identified energy-transfer between the perovskite absorber and the organic charge-transport layers as a crucial issue. 

In this project, we will study this energy-transfer process to beat the bottleneck using newly synthesised organic charge-transport layers from a world-leading synthetic chemist, (Prof. Iain McCulloch FRS, Oxford). We target non-fullerene acceptors that have enabled breakthrough efficiencies in organic photovoltaics. You will understand newly synthesised non-fullerene acceptors and their interaction with the MHP by using cutting-edge optical spectroscopy and scanned-probe microscopies. This knowledge will drive the optimisation of the NFAs which will unlock metal halide perovskite solar cells with enhanced performance. This project has the potential to contribute to creating solar cells that are not only more efficient but also cost-effective, driving us to a sustainable energy future.

This experimental project is ideally suited to someone with a good first degree (at least 2.i or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related subject. The candidate should be passionate about using fundamental insights in materials to drive forward device performance and ultimately positive change in society. The award will fund the full home student tuition fee and UKRI stipend (currently £18,622 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project

The student will be co-supervised by Dr Alex Ramadan (Department of Physics and Astronomy) and Dr Robert Oliver (Department of Materials Science and Engineering). The student will benefit from a young and dynamic supervisory team, as well as the expertise, lab space and technical support across both research groups and departments. You will meet with both supervisors regularly (weekly and monthly respectively) to discuss the project, your progress and ensure the objectives remain achievable. Your career development will be tailored to your goals and will be supported throughout. The skills gained over the course of your PhD will make you a highly attractive candidate for industry positions or your next steps in academia. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to present at conferences both nationally and internationally. 

Both supervisors are passionate about promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in their groups and wider communities. Therefore, we particularly welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in STEM subjects.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.