Ferroelectric solar cells for Terra Watt electricity generation

Electricity generation on a large Tera Watt scale requires solar cells that consist of abundant, non-toxic and cheap materials. Materials selection has been inspired by geological minerals, such as Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and Sb2Se3. CZTS in particular has received widespread attention. Despite this the maximum efficiency is only 12.6%, significantly below the 20% threshold required for commercial viability. In this project we look to Nature for alternative solutions, this time in the form of ferroelectric minerals, such as enargite (Cu2AsS4) and bournonite (CuPbSbS3). Uniquely these materials possess an internal electric field, which can be exploited to enhance the electric current extracted from a solar cell. The potential for photoferroic minerals has been highlighted in a recent theoretical study, although there are as yet no experimental reports on devices. This project is a unique opportunity to carry out and learn from the device growth and characterisation expertise at both Durham and Northumbria. It will provide the student a comprehensive training programme in solar cell research, ranging from material synthesis, device electrical testing to materials characterisation using electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, cathodoluminescence).

ReNU's enhanced doctoral training programme delivered by three uniquely co-located major UK universities, Northumbria (UNN), Durham (DU) and Newcastle (NU), addresses clear skills needs in small-to-medium scale renewable energy (RE) and sustainable distributed energy (DE). It was co-designed by a range of companies and is supported by a balanced portfolio of 27 industrial partners (e.g. Airbus, Siemens and Shell) of which 12 are small or medium size enterprises (SMEs) (e.g. Enocell, Equiwatt and Power Roll). A further 9 partners include Government, not-for-profit and key network organisations. Together these provide a powerful, direct and integrated pathway to a range of impacts that span whole energy systems.

Industrial partners will interact with ReNU in three main ways: (1) through the Strategic Advisory Board; (2) by providing external input to individual doctoral candidate's projects; and (3) by setting Industrial Challenge Mini-Projects. These interactions will directly benefit companies by enabling them to focus ReNU's training programme on particular needs, allowing transfer of best practice in training and state-of-the-art techniques, solution approaches to R&D challenges and generation of intellectual property. Access to ReNU for new industrial partners that may wish to benefit from ReNU is enabled by the involvement of key networks and organisations such as the North East Automotive Alliance, the Engineering Employer Federation, and Knowledge Transfer Network (Energy).

In addition to industrial partners, ReNU includes Government organisations and not for-profit-organisations. These partners provide pathways to create impact via policy and public engagement. Similarly, significant academic impact will be achieved through collaborations with project partners in Singapore, Canada and China. This impact will result in research excellence disseminated through prestigious academic journals and international conferences to the benefit of the global community working on advanced energy materials.