Spray-On Solar Cells: Scalable Additive Manufacturing of Flexible Perovskite Photovoltaics

Description

Aim: Renewable energy technology is usually confined to utility scale, with large and costly installations. If we are to work towards the decarbonisation of the UK economy and bring about the “democratisation of green energy”, we need to make solar cells ubiquitous in our daily lives. The aim of this project is to develop scalable, flexible perovskite solar cells using spray coating fabrication techniques. By doing so, we can more easily integrate solar cells into our homes, products and urban landscapes. Ultimately, the goal is to enable the generation renewable power at the point of use.  

Background: Perovskites Polar Cells (PSCs) are a group of photovoltaic materials that have seen a rapid rise in efficiency over the last ten years. The latest record at 25.6%¹, approaching the top values achieved by the market leading silicon solar cells. Lead-based halide perovskite photovoltaics are expected to enter the market within a few years. At the same time, PSCs have shown great promise for sustainable solar cell manufacturing due to their solution processability.

Perovskite structured materials have the general formula ABX₃, and can have very different properties depending on the chemical compound used at the various sites; A (Cs, Rb, MA, FA), B (Pb, Sn), and X (I, Br, Cl), methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) being the prototypical perovskite absorber in PV cells². Serious concerns over the toxicity of lead has driven a search for a suitable replacement. Promising cation substitutes include Sn²⁺, Ge²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Co^2+ 3.  Tin-based perovskites have been the focus of research due to their similar ionic radius to lead; the most efficient examples are made of formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI₃) and have surpassed 13% in efficiency⁴.

Work plan: During the PhD the student will work with non-toxic tin-based perovskite solar cell inks developed at the University of Liverpool. They will explore the use of spray coating to deposit perovskites onto flexible substrates. The goal is to produce working prototype PSCs that have been sprayed directly on to products such as clothing and folding smartphones.

About the group: Dr Hughes and her team specialise in developing new fabrication techniques to produce thin film solar cells. The team is currently carrying out an EPSRC funded feasibility study titled ‘Solar Skin: Additive manufacturing of customised fully integrated photovoltaic products’. Investigating printing a bespoke perovskite solar skin directly onto a product during manufacturing. The group is also working on fabrication of solar cells with radiative cooling coating for applications such as power generation in space.  

Applicant Eligibility

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

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form applying for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up to date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references. 

Enquiries

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor, Dr Amanda Hughes on: Amanda.Hughes2@liverpool.ac.uk, those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the School Postgraduate Office pgeng@liverpool.ac.uk.