PhD studentship in Eco-friendly flexible perovskite solar cells for wearable electronics

About the Project

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship to join the Functional Materials and Optoelectronic Device group led by Dr Mojtaba Abdi-Jalebi at the Institute for Materials Discovery (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-for-materials-discovery/FMED), University College London.

This is a funded exciting project through UCL EPSRC DTP studentship, to begin in October 2024, which aims to discover, design and characterise emerging non-toxic semiconductors and optimise them for next generation of eco-friendly solar cells for wearable electronics at the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery.

Solar energy technology offers a promising avenue for reducing our fossil fuel dependency and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Halide perovskites emerge as an enticing candidate for the next generation of high-performance solar cells, boasting remarkable power conversion efficiencies exceeding 26%. Particularly intriguing are lightweight and flexible perovskite photovoltaic devices, which have garnered significant attention for potential applications in wearable electronics, miniaturized drones, blimps, high-resolution screens, and aerospace electronics. However, widespread commercial use of these halide perovskites faces several challenges, including issues related to lead toxicity, sensitivity to air and moisture, and phase instability. Furthermore, the mechanical properties, such as strength and toughness, require in-depth investigation, with bendability being a critical characteristic for functional layers in wearable devices before entering the flexible electronics market. This project will concentrate on designing, synthesizing, and processing eco-friendly materials, including lead-free halide perovskites, for use as absorber layers. It will also explore new types of charge transport electrodes, interfacial interlayers, and encapsulation materials for flexible solar cells. The research will involve characterizing thin films and solar cells using advanced techniques such as time-resolved photoluminescence and impedance spectroscopy, as well as structural and morphological analysis to correlate charge transport properties with material structure and solar cell performance and stability.

Applicants should possess, or be on track to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or its equivalent in materials science/engineering, chemistry, physics, electrical/chemical engineering, or related fields, with a minimum of four years of university level study. The successful candidate will conduct research in the state-of-the-art Functional Materials and Energy Device group, led by Dr. Mojtaba Abdi-Jalebi at the Institute for Materials Discovery at UCL. This highly interdisciplinary research will involve collaboration with national and international academic and industrial partners, fostering a dynamic, collaborative, and diverse environment among a team of talented researchers.

The group’s research focuses on the structure, optical and electronic properties of advanced functional materials particularly emerging semiconductors including metal halide perovskites, nanostructured metal oxides and other organic semiconductors and incorporating them in optoelectronic devices such as solar photovoltaics (PV), photodetectors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as photo(electrochemical) devices for production of green fuels. We actively involve in exploitation of the academic research into actual products and bridging the gap between fundamental science and technology exploitation with active industrial collaborations for technology transfer into multiple emerging markets including photovoltaics, the Internet of things (IoT) and consumer electronics. There are also opportunities to participate in outreach and media activities, and dissemination via conferences and workshops.

The successful candidate will conduct research in the state-of-the-art new Materials Discovery laboratory (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-for-materials-discovery) with a well-funded consumables budget and access to a wide range of experimental facilities. This highly interdisciplinary research will involve many national and international academic and industrial collaborations. The group provides a dynamic, collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with diverse, talented researchers.

Applications must include a full CV, research proposal (2-page maximum) and covering letter providing information on why you would be suitable for this opportunity and funding. Applications to be sent directly to Dr Mojtaba Abdi-Jalebi (m.jalebi@ucl.ac.uk).

The project is expected to begin around October 2024. Application deadline: 13:00 UK time on 08 January 2024

Key Facts

• Value: Fees, Stipend (at least £21,622 per year), Research Training Support Grant
• Duration: Up to 4 years (thesis to be submitted within funded period)
• Eligible Fee Status: Home, International (EPSRC caps the number of International fee status students at 30%)
• Study Mode: Full or Part time (at least 50% FTE) [Note: Part time is not available to International students]
• Primary Selection Criteria: Academic merit
• Available To: Prospective students only
• Round 1 Application Deadline: 13:00 UK time on 08 January 2024

Funding Notes

All studentships are fully funded for 4 years. They provide: 

• 4 years fees (Home rate) (International students will receive a UCL award to cover the home/international fee difference) 
• Maintenance stipend at the UCL EPSRC DTP enhanced rate (ie £1,000 above the UKRI London-weighted rate; this was £21,622 in 2023/24, and rises each year) 
• Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £4,800. This is to cover additional costs of training eg courses, project costs, conferences, travel 

Students will be registered for 4 years and are expected to submit their thesis within the 4 year funded period. The project should be designed and supervised to facilitate this. 

For part time students the stipend and duration will be adjusted pro-rata (e.g. a 50% FTE student will receive 50% of stipend for up to 8 years). 

Student Eligibility

• You must fulfil the academic entry requirements for UCL
• You must fulfil any additional academic entry requirements for the department you will be hosted by
• These studentships are open to those with Home and International fee status (including EU); however, the number of students with International fee status which can be recruited is capped according to the EPSRC terms and conditions so competition for International places is particularly strong.

An official fee status assessment by UCL admissions will be required for all successful candidates. However, the following guidance is provided to help you determine whether you will be Home or International category for EPSRC funding:

• UK nationals are Home category, provided they meet residency requirements.
• EU nationals with settled status are Home category.
• EU nationals with pre-settled status are Home category, provided they meet residency requirements.
• Irish nationals living in UK or Ireland are Home category
• Those who have indefinite leave to remain or enter are Home category.
• All others are classified as International category.

Residency requirements for UK nationals:

• living in UK, EEA, or Switzerland on 31-Dec-2020 and lived in UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar for at least 3 years immediately before the studentship begins
• lived continuously in UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar between 31-Dec-2020 and the start of the studentship

Residency requirements for EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals with pre-settled status:

• living in UK by 31-Dec-2020 (a requirement to receive pre-settled status)
• living in UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar for at least 3 years immediately before the studentship begins

Note: These studentships are open to those with Home and International fee status (including EU); however, the number of students with International fee status which can be recruited is capped according to the EPSRC terms and conditions.

Link to apply:  Apply for a UCL EPSRC DTP studentship | UCL EPSRC Doctoral Training - UCL – University College London