Project Description
The goal of this project is to design an experimental setup to support X-ray characterization experiments for metal halide perovskite (MHP) precursor solutions. (e.g., small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS)).
Fabrication of solution-processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) involves the rapid nucleation and crystallization of MHP thin films. Limited control over MHP precursor solution chemistry makes it difficult to reproducibly fabricate stable and efficient solar cells. The selected student will contribute to the design-of-experiments for research on MHP solution chemistry.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn to prepare MHP precursor solutions and understand the fabrication of solution-processed thin films.
- Become familiar with synchrotron-based X-ray characterization techniques and their applicability to MHP precursor solutions and thin films.
- Design an experimental setup to actively flow MHP precursor solutions for measurement by XAS and SAXS techniques.
- Learn to acquire powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, and perform measurements on MHP precursor solvate complexes.
Special Requirement
Required Coursework: General Chemistry: (CHEM 1400, 1401 OR CHEN 1211, 1221 OR CHEM 1113, 1114 OR equivalent), General Physics: (PHYS 1110, 1120, 1140 OR equivalent)
The preferred applicant will also have experience with one or more of the following:
- Advanced coursework in thermodynamics, kinetics, materials, inorganic chemistry, solid-state materials, semiconductor physics, electronic materials, and/or physical chemistry.
- Basic programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C/C++ (Arduino))
- An interest in materials characterization, materials synthesis, electronic device fabrication, solar cell device physics, and renewable energy.
The selected applicant should be able to regularly devote 2 – 3 hour blocks of time to this project.
Contact
- Michael Toney (faculty)
- Keith White (graduate student)