Surface and interface properties of next generation solar cells

Organometal halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are considered one of the most promising materials for use in next-generation solar cells. With tunable bandgaps, strong light-absorption coefficients, high defect tolerance and low non-radiative recombination rates, PQDs could help revolutionize photovoltaics in a world where the demand for renewable energy has never been greater. However, the stability of PQDs in ambient conditions is poor; thus, understanding the degradation mechanisms involved and investigating passivation methods such as encapsulation is of paramount importance if PQD solar cells are to make their way into commercial devices. It is necessary, therefore, to study the reactions of the topmost few atomic layers of PQD films with the atmosphere. During this project, various passivation techniques will be investigated, with emphasis on encapsulation methods, and the materials produced will be characterized using a range of advanced surface spectroscopies, including hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS). The work falls under the EPSRC energy theme, and is relevant to condensed matter: electronic structure, materials for energy applications, solar technology and surface science research areas.