Hybrid hierarchical oxide nanostructures for diode-based green photocurrent generation

A PhD topic is available with the following description

Presently, the production of renewable energies is gaining momentum, owing to the decarbonized energy transition with a first phase in 2030, followed by the final phase in 2050. This implies that new sources of Renewable energies are needed in order to realize this decarbonized energy transition. At this point, renewable energy sources, such as solar panels have reached their limit of maximum quantum efficiency. Even though a small amount of optimization can further increase their efficiency by 1-2%, it is still not sufficient for the decarbonized energy transition. Therefore, new materials are required that could replace the omnipresent Silicon based solar panels. These materials should be eco-friendly and abundant in order to reduce the environmental impact and increase sustainability of the value chain.

This PhD thesis focuses on the production of hierarchical nanostructures with narrow band gaps that can work as solar cells in order to produce green electricity. The main advantage of using these hierarchical structures is making smaller and lighter solar panels. The main problem with present day solar panels is their weight as a large surface is required to generate a photocurrent. In nanostructures, these problems are overcome, owing to the large specific surfaces of these nanomaterials or to the high surface-to-volume ratio. This directly implies a lower volume or lower mass of the material, or lighter solar panels, making them lighter.

In this thesis, the PhD student will produce different hierarchical structures using different sol-gel routes with Earth-abundant elements, such as carbon, copper, zinc, Iron and magnesium. The materials will be characterized in the NanoLab of Tehnikamaja under a solar simulator and parameters such as efficiency, responsivity and response time will be calculated. The student will travel to IMEP, Grenoble, a specialized lab in electrical measurements of solar cell devices, during the PhD to collaborate with them on these hierarchical nanostructures. In the final stage of the PhD, the student will create a 5 X 5 cm prototype and test it on the roof of the tehnikamaja.

Please send complete CV and list of 3 referees with your application to [email protected]

Details on the group can be found at www.rauwel.eu