All-perovskite multi-junction solar cells

This studentship is linked to the "prosperity partnership" project between Oxford PV Ltd and the University of Oxford. In this prosperity partnership, we have combined pioneering academic and industrial leaders in perovskite photovoltaics and will develop the underlying materials, science and technology, which will allow us to develop the next generation of multi-junction perovskite solar cells. The ambition of the project is to go well beyond the state-of-the-art, and deliver over 37% efficient triple junction perovskite solar cells, with good long term operational stability. This will be possible through a combined effort of new materials development, fundamental investigations, thin-film device engineering and interface modification, and significant effort on understanding and improving materials and device stability. The DPhil student working on this project will work collaboratively with the Postdocs, Scientist and Engineers. Spencer Case's project focuses on developing new materials and interfaces for multi-junction perovskite solar cells through a combination of optical and electronic modelling and experimental work. A key focus is to develop new "interlayer" materials with ideal optical and electronic properties, for integration into complete multijunction cells.

Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact;
There is significant research efforts related to perovskite PV, and this project will contribute to that overall field of research. Oxford PV, the project partner, is planning to launch its first manufactured product, perovskite-on-silicon tandem cells, mid next year. This project here is working on what may be the 2nd generation of perovskite PV products, likely to be transferred to Oxford PV, and scaled up towards manufacturing over a 3 year time frame following transfer. Hence the potential impact of this work is to deliver the next major efficiency milestones, which will be translated into higher power PV modules for what will hopefully become main-stream perovskite PV panels.


Aims and objectives;
To understand the impact of and develop new materials for all perovskite multijunction cells.

Novelty of the research methodology;
We will be using a combination of thin-film deposition methodologies, including sputter coating, atomic layer deposition and thin-film thermal evaporation, employing the presently being installed EPSRC Advanced Functional Materials Cluster Deposition Facility.

Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas:
This project falls within the EPSRC's Physical Sciences growth area, Materials for Energy Applications, on "Synthesis, characterisation and theoretical understanding of functional materials to be used in energy applications," and, "includes fundamental studies into potential materials for photovoltaics (PV), and semiconductors." The Productive Outcome, will be the introduction of "the next generation of innovative and disruptive technology" for PV, with transformation "to a sustainable society," and increased National Resilience through "energy security". Solar Technologies is a maintain area, where the strategic focus of EPSRC is that "There will be greater focus on thin films and new materials (e.g. potentially game-changing perovskites)."

Any companies or collaborators involved. Further EPSRC-provided information relating to correct completion of Project Details: Oxford PV Ltd.