Nanostructure and stability of perovskite solar cells

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute within the School of Engineering and Computing. The studentship is funded through the school and will be part of the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time subject to satisfactory progress. Both Home and EU/International applicants may apply but EU/International applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (2024/25 £19,237 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence January 2025. 

Project Description

Perovskite-structured compounds were first used in solar cells in 2012 and have seen rapid increases in efficiencies to over 25%, already higher than most competing technologies. The major obstacle of perovskites is their long-term instability in the presence of heat and moisture. This must be understood and overcome before devices can be commercialised. It has been found that incorporating additives, such as ionic liquids, into perovskites leads to improved stability and cell efficiencies.

This project aims to study the nanostructure and chemistry of perovskite/additive films and how it links to stability and efficiency of devices. The project is in collaboration with a large glass manufacturing organisation. A range of deposition methods and analysis techniques will be used to study the films and to build prototype devices. Film characterisation techniques will include X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to ksyres@uclan.ac.uk.

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course – Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the studentship reference number DTC12-22-50 on the online application form.

Closing Date: 18 September 2024

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

Expected Start Date: January 2025

CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP