PhD in Engineering: Enhancing the stability of organic solar cells based on non-fullerene acceptors

Outline

This fully funded PhD studentship (funded by School of Engineering, Cardiff University) will join a dynamic research team at the Magnetics and Materials Research group to work on a research project financially supported by EPSRC through the recently awarded “StableSolar-NFA” grant.

The project is in close research collaboration with leading universities including Imperial College London, Cambridge University and Swansea University, as well as industrial partners such as Eight 19 and NSG.

During the project you will work closely on highly promising next generation photovoltaic technology within a team of academics, postdoctoral and research graduate students. The primary focus will be on developing novel material and designs to enable the demonstration of high performance, low cost and stable organic solar cells based on non-fullerene acceptors.

You will be expected to develop profound fundamental knowledge of the material and device designs, operations and degradation mechanisms of organic solar cells, as well as develop skills in solar cell fabrication, testing and advanced characterisation.

You will also benefit from the regular visits and secondments to the academic and industrial partners, as well as building up experience and skills for careers both within academia and industry.

What is funded

For more information on what is funded, please visit: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/funding/view/phd-in-engineering-enhancing-the-stability-of-organic-solar-cells-based-on-non-fullerene-acceptors

Duration

3.5 years

Eligibility

Open to all students of any nationality without restrictions (UK/EU and International)

Applicants should achieve 2:1 or higher in a relevant subject area e.g. physics, chemistry, materials, engineering.

Desirable skills will include some research experience in the subject area of semiconductors, solar energy and electronics, excellent English and scientific writing skills.

Candidates must have obtained their first degree before the programme start date. If English is not the applicant’s first language, then they must obtain 6.5 IELTS with at least 5.5 in each subscore (or equivalent qualification).