PhD - Metal-Free Perovskites for Energy-efficient Multifunctional Devices

23 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

16 Feb 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Project description

The global energy demand is rising, requiring an urgent acceleration of the energy transition. Ongoing efforts focus on enhancing solar cell efficiency and developing energy-efficient technologies. Piezo-phototronics, an emerging physics concept, combines semiconductor, piezoelectric, and photoactivated properties.[1] In a piezo-phototronic device, the electrical and optical properties can be manipulated through mechanical strain,[2–4] with the potential of improving energy-related device performance. Conventional piezoelectric semiconductors often require high-temperature processes and incorporate environmentally harmful components, encouraging exploration of environmentally friendly alternatives. Metal-free perovskites, an underexplored class of materials, show promise in piezo-phototronic applications.

In this project, metal-free perovskite semiconductors will be designed and developed through compositional engineering using solution processing methods and mechanochemistry. The primary objective of this research project is to advance the fundamental understanding of how to design and fabricate metal-free perovskites with desired optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. This research has the potential to transform the landscape of semiconductors and energy transition technologies, and furthermore explores innovative applications such as single-material multi-sensors and energy harvesters. Moreover, the candidate will have the opportunity to deepen the understanding of the relationship between structure and properties in these materials, employing a combination of experimental techniques, including those reliant on synchrotron radiation such as high pressure and low temperature X-ray diffraction.

[1] B. Dai, G.M. Biesold, M. Zhang, H. Zou, Y. Ding, Z. L Wang, Z. Lin, Piezo-phototronic effect on photocatalysis, solar cells, photodetectors and light-emitting diodes, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2021, 50, 13646-13691, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CS00506E

[2] L. A. Muscarella, A. Dučinskas, M. Dankl, M. Andrzejewski, N. P. M. Casati, U. Rothlisberger, J. Maier, M. Graetzel, B. Ehrler, J. V. Milić, Reversible Pressure-Dependent Mechanochromism of Dion–Jacobson and Ruddlesden–Popper Layered Hybrid Perovskites, Adv. Mater. 2022, 34, 2108720. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202108720

[3] L.A. Muscarella, B. Ehrler, The influence of strain on phase stability in mixed-halide perovskites, Joule 2022, 6, 9, 2016-2031, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2022.07.005

[4] L.A. Muscarella, H.J. Jöbsis, B. Baumgartner, P.T. Prins, D.N. Maaskant, A.V. Petukhov, D. Chernyshov, C.J. McMonagle, E.M. Hutter, Which Ion Dominates the Temperature and Pressure Response of Halide Perovskites and Elpasolites?, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2023, 14, 40, 9042–9051, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02403

Your responsibilities:

• Fabricate novel metal-free perovskites with desired optical and mechanical properties using solution processing methods and mechanochemistry.
• Explore the optical and mechanical behavior of these innovative metal-free perovskites employing a combination of structural measurements and optical spectroscopy, including advanced characterization techniques such as high pressure and low temperature X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy, piezoelectric force microscopy.
• Initiate and lead complementary research collaborations with internal and external partners, such as AMOLF and the Nanolab cleanroom, to tap into diverse expertise and resources.
• Disseminate your research through peer-reviewed journals and poster/oral contributions at (inter)national conferences.
• Act as daily supervisor of bachelor and master students during their internships and as teaching assistant to different courses (~10% of the overall PhD time).

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field
• Strong background in solid state chemistry/physics coupled with a keen interest in material science, specifically in the fabrication and characterization of semiconductors
• The ideal candidate will have proven experience or a strong motivation to acquire expertise in:
  • Carrying out chemical/physical experiments
  • Characterization techniques such as (but not limited to) X-ray diffraction and/or atomic force microscopy
  • Building and/or operating spectroscopy setups
  • Computational tools and data analysis softwares such as Python, MatLab, Mathematica
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are very important
• You have a team-player mentality and a kind and social attitude

Additional Information
Benefits

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);

Additional comments

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/336880/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1085

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/336880/phd-metal-free-perovskites-for-energ…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.vu.nl/

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Postal Code

1081 HV

STATUS: EXPIRED