Never has a solar cell technology improved as quickly as solar cells made from metal halide perovskites (MHPs). These perovskites show a combination of favorable properties including high optical absorption, slow charge carrier recombination and relatively high charge carrier mobilities, and solar cells have reached a record efficiency over 25% with small, millimeter-sized solar cells. For large-scale commercialization of this technology we need to increase the area of the photovoltaic devices to full-scale solar cells. Unfortunately, this up-scaling leads to a substantial decrease in power conversion efficiency, particularly in the voltage. In this collaborative project between The Technical University Delft and the AMOLF Institute in Amsterdam, we will investigate which mechanisms are responsible for these additional losses. You will develop advanced dedicated techniques to reveal the electronic properties of the MHPs at the sub micrometer scale. Using these techniques, you will evaluate methods to improve the surface properties. The fundamental knowledge obtained allows us to find a relationship between the structural and the optoelectronic properties of MHPs. Such fundamental knowledge will guide new formulations of MHP layers and consequently devices that can perform close to the theoretical limit. The project is a collaboration with Solliance, Eindhoven.         

For the research at TU Delft we are looking for an excellent PhD candidate with a solid physical chemical background. In addition, for the analysis and characterization of the perovskites samples experience with semiconductor materials is highly desired. Candidates must have a university (MSc) degree in physics, material science, chemistry or a related area. Excellent oral and written skills of the English language are essential.    

Fixed-term contract: Temporary, 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.    

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The department of Chemical Engineering (www.cheme.tudelft.nl) aims to generate knowledge and educate people in the area of nano chemical engineering to improve the quality of life for a sustainable society, focusing on energy, water, health and environment.