PhD position for perovskite and silicon-perovksite tandem solar cells – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (AU) job with The Australian National University- School of Engineering | 12803718

Join a world-class photovoltaics research group

• Contribute to the development of the next generation of solar cells
• Opportunities for industry engagement and international collaboration

College Overview

The Australian National University (ANU) College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics (CECC) is a vibrant and diverse community of more than three thousand students, staff, and visitors. Our College is comprised of three schools: the School of Engineering, the School of Computing, and the School of Cybernetics, supported by the Professional Services Group. We aim to bring together expertise in social, technical, ecological and scientific systems to build a new approach. In the College, we draw on our disciplinary foundations to find and solve problems of global importance. Our people build on our traditional world-class expertise and take it in creative, unconventional directions. Through the Reimagine investment, we have the privilege and the responsibility to build a new legacy for the University, the country, and even the world. We will deliver on our mission by building a strong community, providing transformative educational experiences, conducting high-impact research, seeking meaningful engagement, and becoming a resilient organisation post COVID-19. Join us in shaping a new intellectual agenda to reimagine engineering, computing, and the use of technology in the world.

The School of Engineering

The School of Engineering brings together a diverse and welcoming community that is motivated to seek “wicked problems”. We connect divergent thinkers to explore and pose solutions that cross the traditional interdisciplinary and global boundaries. We have evolved from our foundational strength in systems thinking, reaching beyond traditional engineering fields. This systems approach embraces our core strengths and is shaped around four focus areas: Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechatronics. Join us in our fundamental quest of discovery and passionate pursuit of knowledge that goes beyond our lived world.

Position Overview

A PhD scholarship is being offered for this student project on perovskite solar cells and perovskite-tandem solar cells, under the supervision of Professor Klaus Weber and Dr. Heping Shen. This position will involve collaboration with other research institutes and industry partners and is supported through projects funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

The applications are open to domestic and international students. Applicants must hold a first class Honours degree or Master’s degree in engineering, chemistry, physics or a related field, and/or have relevant research experience.

To express interest in applying, please send a 1-page cover letter and CV (including results for relevant degrees) to Dr. Heping Shen (heping.shen@anu.edu.au) and Prof. Klaus Weber (klaus.weber@anu.edu.au) by 28 August 2023.

The scholarship has the same stipend and other conditions as a standard ANU PhD scholarship but is available for commencement as soon as possible in 2023.

Background Literature

2023

• Stability challenges for the commercialization of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, Leiping Duan, et al. Nature Review Materials (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-022-00521-1
• Incorporation with 4-Methylphenethylammonium Chloride for Efficient and Stable Methylammonium-Free Perovskite and Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells, The Duong, et al. Advanced Energy Materials 2023, 223607

2022

• Centimetre-scale Perovskite Solar Cells with Fill Factors of More than 86 Per cent, Jun Peng, et al. Nature 2022, 573-578.
• Performance limitations imposed by the TCO heterojunction in high efficiency perovskite solar cells, Daniel Walter, et al. Energy & Environmental Science 2022, 5202 – 5216.
• LiI Doping of Mixed-cation Mixed-halide Perovskite Solar Cells: Defect Passivation, Controlled Crystallization and Transient Ionic Response, Grace Tabi, et al. Materials Today Physics 2022, 100822.
• 27.6% Perovskite/c‐Si Tandem Solar Cells Using Industrial Fabricated TOPCon Device, Yiliang Wu, et al. Advanced Energy Materials 2022, 2200821.
• Above 23% Efficiency by Binary Surface Passivation of Perovskite Solar Cells using Guanidinium and Octylammonium Spacer Cations, Naeimeh Mozaffari, et al. Solar RRL, 2022, 6, 2200355.
• Unraveling the Role of Energy Band Alignment and Mobile Ions on Interfacial Recombination in Perovskite Solar Cells, Naeimeh Mozaffari, et al. Solar RRL, 2022, 3, 2101087.

2021

• Nanoscale localized contacts for high fill factors in polymer-passivated perovskite solar cells, Peng, Jun, et al. Science 2021, 390-395.
• Combined Bulk and Surface Passivation in Dimensionally Engineered 2D-3D Perovskite Films via Chlorine Diffusion, Mahmud, Arafat, et al. Advanced Functional Materials 2021,2104251.
• Contactless and Spatially-Resolved Determination of Current-Voltage Curves in Perovskite Solar Cells via Photoluminescence, Bui, Anh, et al. Solar RRL 2021, 5, 2100348.
• Origin of Efficiency and Stability Enhancement in High-Performing Mixed Dimensional 2D-3D Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review, Mahmud, Arafat, et al., Advanced Functional Materials, 2021, 200

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

  1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article discusses a PhD scholarship opportunity in the field of perovskite solar cells and perovskite-tandem solar cells. These technologies contribute to the development of affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) by harnessing solar power. The research and collaboration mentioned in the article also align with SDG 9, which focuses on promoting industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Additionally, perovskite solar cells have the potential to mitigate climate change (SDG 13) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy.

  2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  • SDG 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, particularly developing countries.
  • SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

  The article’s content suggests a focus on increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2) through the development of perovskite solar cells. The research project also contributes to enhancing scientific research and technological capabilities in the field of solar energy (SDG 9.5). Furthermore, the use of perovskite solar cells aligns with the goal of integrating climate change measures into national policies and strategies (SDG 13.2).

  3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

  • Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix: This indicator can be measured by tracking the increase in the adoption and deployment of perovskite solar cells and perovskite-tandem solar cells.
  • Investment in scientific research and technological capabilities: This indicator can be measured by assessing the funding and resources allocated to research projects like the one mentioned in the article.
  • Incorporation of climate change measures in national policies and strategies: This indicator can be measured by evaluating the extent to which governments integrate solar energy technologies, such as perovskite solar cells, into their renewable energy policies and climate action plans.

  These indicators can help monitor progress towards the targets of increasing renewable energy share, enhancing research and technological capabilities, and integrating climate change measures.

  Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.	Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, particularly developing countries.	Investment in scientific research and technological capabilities.
  SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.	Incorporation of climate change measures in national policies and strategies.

  Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

  Source: nature.com

   

  

  Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.