PhD position: The role of defects in thin film solar cells explained using density functional theory

Thin film solar cells are a competitive option for energy production with a number of companies expanding their capacity. Crucial to the optimum performance of the solar cells is the need to limit the number of electrically active defects. Recently at CREST, High Resolution Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) has shown that chlorine at the grain boundaries removes electrically active stacking faults. The scientific reason for this is not understood. By using a combination of first principle quantum mechanical calculations and HRTEM, we aim to understand the role of defects and use this knowledge to design photovoltaic cells with improved efficiency.

This project is funded partly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of the Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) awarded to Loughborough University, and partly by the Graduate School.

Benefits of this DTP-studentship include:

• A tax-free stipend of ￡14,296 per annum for 3.5 years. The stipend will increase in line with EPSRC recommended rates.

• Tuition fees at the UK/EU rate, for up to 3.5 years.

• A Research Training Support Grant worth at least ￡1,750 to assist with training over the course of the studentship.

• Admission to the University as part of a cohort of EPSRC-DTP funded PhD students

Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those who are eligible to pay UK/EU fees. In order to qualify for a full award, all applicants must meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria including the minimum residency requirementhttp://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility

Contact for Informal enquiries: Pooja Panchmatia e-mail: p.panchmatia@lboro.ac.ukphone 01509 222548

Application criteria

Applicants should have or expect to achieve a 2:1 Honours degree or better, or equivalent, in Chemistry/Physics/Materials or Mathematical Science.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 31^st March 2016.

Interviews will be held at Loughborough University during April / May 2016.

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