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Cost-effective and Scalable Manufacturing of Graphene-coated Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
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Start date
Subject area
Chemistry
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Overview

This PhD project aims to develop scalable and cost-effective manufacturing methods for efficient and stable graphene-coated perovskite solar cells.

About this opportunity

Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) have made exceptional progress over the past decade, with power conversion efficiencies (PCE) now reaching 27.0% [1] (Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart | Photovoltaic Research | NREL), surpassing current market-leading silicon-based solar technologies. This impressive performance is due to their excellent properties, including high absorption coefficients, defect tolerance, and outstanding charge carrier mobility. One of the key advantages of PSCs is their compatibility with solution-based processing techniques. These enable low-cost, high-throughput production methods such as slot-die coating and inkjet printing, which are well suited for roll-to-roll manufacturing.

Despite significant progress, operational stability remains a critical barrier to the commercialisation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In addition to challenges inherent to the perovskite absorber, the use of unstable organic hole transport layers (HTLs) contributes substantially to device degradation. Common HTLs such as Spiro-OMeTAD and PTAA exhibit poor thermal and environmental stability, significantly limiting device lifetime [2]. Furthermore, the high fabrication costs associated with these organic HTLs, combined with the reliance on expensive metal electrodes like gold (Au) and silver (Ag) for top electrodes, present additional economic barriers to large-scale deployment [3].

Our industry partner, Solar Ethos Ltd., is developing a printable graphene-based paste enhanced with functional nanomaterials. This material serves both as a conductive electrode and a protective barrier layer. Its use eliminates the need for expensive metal electrodes as well as unstable organic HTLs. More importantly, it significantly enhances environmental stability, directly addressing the key commercial challenge facing PSCs.

This PhD project builds on our research group’s experience in manufacturing perovskite solar cells. The focus will be on incorporating Solar Ethos’s graphene-based paste to replace conventional electrodes and polymeric hole transport layers. The goal is to create a new class of efficient, stable, and scalable solar devices that are ready for commercial deployment.

This is an opportunity to contribute to next-generation solar energy technologies with real-world impact. You will play a central role in developing solar cells that are more affordable, robust, and sustainable.

About the group: Dr Hughes and her team specialise in developing new materials and fabrication techniques to produce perovskite solar cells. The team is carrying out an EPSRC funded feasibility study investigating scalable and green processing of perovskite solar cells. The group currently consists of one post doc and three PhD students. Dr García-Tuñón and her team funded by an UKRI future leaders fellowship specialise in the design and characterisation of complex fluids for advanced materials processing with a focus on newly discovered materials made in the Materials Innovation Factory. Her fellowship has enabled the establishment of a new complex fluids and advanced materials lab, hosting capital equipment for formulation, rheology, printing and post-processing.

About Solar Ethos: Solar Ethos Ltd. was founded within the University of Manchester’s innovation ecosystem. Its foundations include collaboration with the National Graphene Institute, the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, and the Manchester Enterprise Centre. The company was awarded first prize in the 2024 Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award for its innovative work in graphene-based electrode.

Further reading

  1. https://www.nrel.gov/pv/cell-efficiency.html
  2. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202000501
  3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsenergylett.1c01186
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Who is this for?

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Chemistry, Physics or Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Supervisors:

    Amanda Hughes Amanda.hughes2@liv.ac.uk https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/amanda-hughes
    Esther Garcia-Tunon Blanca egarciat@liverpool.ac.uk https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/esther-garcia-tunon-blanca
    Qian Chen qian.chen@solarethos.co.uk  
    Kun Huang kun.huang@solarethos.co.uk  
  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.
  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Funding your PhD

This a funded project for UK students only. The project is funded jointly by EPSRC and the industrial partner, Solar Ethos. The funding covers tuition fees, bench fees, living expenses for 3 years.

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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