User:Thc208

I am a PhD Physics student at the University of Exeter (UoE), UK, part of the Hepplestone Research Group.

After 4 years of MEng Renewable Energy, I joined the group and continued my education with the UoE to pursue my PhD study in hybrid perovskite material for potential solar PV applications. I specialise in the theoretical study of this particular type of material, applying density function theory (DFT) from first-principles to solve many-body Schrodinger Equation. The outcome of theoretical studies is to resolve experimental observation conundrum and explain quantum effects.

'Can structuring make hybrid perovskite more efficient as solar PV material?' is going to be my latest publication that looks into the electronic properties, such as bandgap, charge carrier transport, etc, that are important for the successful charge generation and delivery.

In terms of physics of solar cell, conventional crystalline silicon relies upon doping to form the bulkier p-n junction to facilitate charge separation and transport whereas the thin-film hybrid perovkskite is self-sufficient and can have a tunable bandgap to achieve theoretical limit of 33.7% power conversion efficiency (PCE) in a single junction solar cell. However, hybrid perovskite can be prone to structural instability which is also addressed by the layered structuring in the paper.

The answer is yes as in conjunction with a lower bandgap material, such as silicon or hybrid perovskite heterostructure, i.e. layered superlattice, to form a tandem (multi-junction) solar cell beyond the PCE limit.

Beyond the discussed areas of advantages of hybrid perovskite, the architecture of a fully-functional energy device also requires the smooth connection between it and other components, e.g. electron/hole transporting layers and metallic contact. Thus, the DFT study of the interface will investigate the deviation of electronic properties near surface.

I am finishing in 2021. We, the Hepplestone Research Group, welcome you who are interested in joining and thriving a smarter future for the community.