Details
To mitigate the worst impacts of climate change we need to switch to renewable, low-carbon electricity and we need to be able to store and transport this energy to ensure it can be accessed by all. Perovskite materials (those with the chemical formula ABX3) are one of the most abundant materials families with a vast array of possible chemistries, functionality and usages including in the development of new energy technologies. Hybrid perovskites (e.g. MAPbI3, methylammonium lead triiodide) can be used both in new solar cells and as a modification to existing technologies to enhance their electricity production. Inorganic perovskites (e.g. BaTiO3) are being developed as high energy density capacitors for pulse power applications that can store electricity and deliver it more quickly than batteries. To continue the development of these promising technologies it is critical we understand the electrical properties of these perovskite materials.
This project has two main aims: to understand the electrical properties of select inorganic and hybrid perovskites and to use this understanding to develop and proto-type improved devices based on these novel perovskites. We will study the electrical properties of perovskite materials using the electrical modes of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM is an incredibly powerful, non-destructive microscopy tool which allows us to image the electrical properties of these materials alongside the surface topography on the nanoscale. Building on existing work in the Pyne Lab (TopoStats, https://github.com/AFM-SPM/TopoStats) we will develop a new, open-source image analysis approach (PerovStats) to allow us to quantify the electrical properties of perovskites and correlate this with topographical changes at the nanoscale. This understanding will allow us to predict, and synthesize, perovskites with modified chemistries and enhanced electrical properties. Using PerovStats we will be able to identify the most promising perovskite materials and fabricate proto-type photovoltaic and high energy density capacitors with improved performance.
This PhD project is multi-disciplinary, and the candidate will develop expertise in materials/device development and fabrication, atomic force microscopy and image analysis. The successful candidate will have a 2:1 degree, or above, in either Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering or similar subjects. The candidate will be co-supervised by Dr Alex Ramadan, Prof. Derek Sinclair, and Dr Alice Pyne and will be based in Physics, whilst having the benefits of the expertise, laboratory space, technical support available across all three of these research groups. All supervisors will meet with the candidate and other researchers working in these spaces across their groups quarterly to discuss the project, progress and to ensure that the objectives of the project remain achievable and attainable. All supervisors are committed to embedding positive and inclusive research cultures in their groups.
The supervisors will work together to ensure expectations on students and of supervisors are clearly defined and communicated. Open, respectful, and constructive communication within the team is actively fostered through individual and regular group meetings. All supervisors are committed to supporting career development, through direct training and support and providing opportunities such as attending conferences and events, involvement in fostering collaborations, and time to dedicate to personal and professional development outside academia. All supervisors operate open door policies and lead by example to model good behaviours such at inclusivity and good work life balance.
Application forms ca be found here https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgradapplication/
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
The award will fund the full (UK ) tuition fee and UKRI stipend (currently £18,622 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project
Funding Notes
The award will fund the full (UK or Overseas) tuition fee and UKRI stipend (currently £18,622 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project