Atomic-scale characterisation of light-harvesting perovskites
Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites are an emerging class of photovoltaic materials with the potential to outperform silicon. Solar cells made of metal-halide perovskite offer material costs below $2/m2 and certified efficiencies beyond 20%. However, the underlying physical mechanisms allowing for strong light absorption and efficient electron-hole separation in metal-halide perovskites are not fully understood. In particular, very few studies have been performed on the atomic-scale properties of these materials. This project combines expertise in synthesis, crystal growth, solar cell assembly and morphology control, with scanning-probe based surface analysis, in order to deepen our understanding of the structural and electronic properties of perovskite materials at the atomic scale. Metal-halide perovskite crystals will be synthesised by collaborating groups. The successful candidate will study the atomic-scale structural, electronic and optoelectronic properties of such materials by low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS), non-contact atomic force microscopy (ncAFM), as well as synchrotron-based x-ray studies (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS)). Perovskite crystals will be cleaved in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and characterised in situ. These experiments will allow to correlate atomic-scale electronic structure with the materials’ light-harvesting functionality.
Applicants for a PhD position should hold an Honours or Master’s degree, and have a strong background in experimental physics.
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