Towards light enhanced 2-dimensional hybrid perovskite photobatteries

The project investigates the photo-electrochemical properties of the 2-dimensional, layered hybrid perovskite class of materials. 2-dimensional hybrid perovskites have become a common research topic in the photovoltaic community due to their impressive power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of >25% providing both a competitive and in some cases complementary technology to the commonly used silicon photovoltaic (solar) cells. In addition to their impressive optoelectronic properties, recent studies have implied the potential electrochemical activity of the layered 2-dimensional form of hybrid perovskites in a Li-ion battery configuration, this has been confirmed already during the PhD project with the demonstrated electrochemical performance exceeding that of the literature.
The primary question addressed in the project is whether the two aforementioned properties can be combined to create a light-sensitive battery electrode; i.e. a Li-ion battery electrode that can be re-charged with light or have it's performance (charge rate, specific capacity etc.) improved by utilising the optoelectronic properties of the material.
The approach taken in the project is to create novel "photobattery" cells that allow optical access to the active material of the electrode both to measure the light-enhancement effect and allow in situ optical characterisation of the electrode during cycling. The student will be synthesising the 2-dimensional hybrid perovskite materials and then blending them with other materials to create a Li-ion battery electrode. These electrodes are then configured into a photobattery cell to allow material characterisation and device performance measurements. The characterisation will include in situ photoluminescence spectroscopy, charge carrier lifetime measurements, x-ray diffraction and electrochemical characterisation.
The science of the project is centred around a 2-dimensional layered class of material and is focused towards both novel fundamental characterisation and device fabrication.

Our vision is to take graphene from a state of raw potential to a point where it can revolutionise flexible, wearable and transparent (opto)electronics, with a manifold return in innovation and exploitation. Such change in the paradigm of device manufacturing may revolutionise the global industry. The importance of graphene was recognised by the 2011 statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer launching the initiative that lead to the funding of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, where the proposed Graphene Technology CDT will be based. The aim is take graphene and related materials from "the British laboratory" to the "British factory floor". Not only does our vision align with this mandate, but it also exploits and strengthens several key areas of national importance where the UK has recognised excellence, such as printed electronics, energy and RF & Microwave Communications. Thus, we will strive for both economic impact, by stimulating new UK-manufactured high-value products, and societal benefits, by utilising graphene in potentially many areas including security, energy efficiency and quality of life.
The beneficiaries of our proposal will be of course the cohorts of students that will be trained every year, but will extend more widely. Considering the private sector, we have already indentified tens of companies that will benefit from our work. To achieve the final goal of graphene-technology, and to ease the transition to commercialisation, we have strong alignment with industry needs and engage them as project partners of the CDT: Dyson, Novalia, Plastic Logic, Nokia, Toshiba, BAE Systems, Aixtron, PEL, Nanocyl, IdTechEx, Philips, Dupont, CambridgeIP, Polyfect, Agilent, Nippon Kayaku, Victrex, IMEC. Many more are also partnering with the Cambridge Graphene Centre, and even more are expected to join and benefit directly or indirectly from our work. We consider the civilian sectors of healthcare, telecommunications, energy and homeland security to be those in which applications based on graphene can make significant impact on society at large. There are also applications in defence, especially in secure communications and radars. This will foster competitiveness and enhance quality of life. In particular, the proposed CDT will be of prime interest to industries dealing with the following devices and applications: 1. Mobile communications, wireless sensor networks, including wearable devices. 2. Nano-structured materials for light and microwave energy harvesting. 3. Active and reconfigurable microwave, terahertz and optical materials, including advanced antenna applications for radar and communications.
Policy-makers, within international, national, local government will also benefit. If the vision of graphene as the material of the 21st century is fulfilled, there will be a need for its properties, benefits, applications and advantageousness compared to current technology to be known by the relevant public bodies. For example, any new policy on energy saving, or mobile communications may need to include a reference to the benefits, or limitations, of graphene-based devices.
Economic resilience and innovation require post-doctoral researchers and students trained in new areas. We will contribute to increasing the talent pool for the future graphene industry. The proposed doctoral training centre will provide unique training to students in various aspects of graphene technology: from graphene nanotechnology to energy, RF/microwave and (opto)electronics. This will develop many skilled researchers over the project lifetime, who will stimulate the sustainability of UK graphene engineering research and future commercialisation opportunities across a variety of sectors.