PhD position: Atomic-scale structural, electronic and optoelectronic studies on light-harvesting metal-halide perovskites

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites are an emerging class of photovoltaic and optoelectronic materials. For example, solar cells made of metal-halide perovskite material yield efficiencies beyond 20%. However, the underlying physical mechanisms allowing for strong light absorption and efficient electron-hole separation in metal-halide perovskites are not fully understood. In particular, very few studies have been performed on the atomic-scale properties of these materials. This project aims to combine expertise in synthesis, crystal growth, solar cell assembly and morphology control, with scanning-probe based surface analysis, in order to deepen our understanding of the structural, electronic and optoelectronic properties of perovskite materials at the atomic scale. The PhD candidate will study the atomic-scale structural, electronic and optoelectronic properties of such materials by low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS), non-contact atomic force microscopy (ncAFM), as well as synchrotron-based x-ray studies (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS)). These experiments will allow to correlate atomic-scale electronic structure and properties with the materials’ light-harvesting and optoelectronic functionality.

Applicants should hold an Honours or Master’s degree, and have a strong background in experimental physics.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Agustin Schiffrin at [email protected].

Interested applicants must meet Monash Universities PhD entry requirements. See following link: http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/physics/postgrad/apply-postgrad.html.