Research description

The efficiency of hybrid metal-halide perovskite solar cells has increased impressively over the last few years. The simplicity of the fabrication process and possibility to tailor the optoelectronic properties make these devices an attractive alternative for or additive to silicon-based photovoltaics. Important challenges towards their utilization are the reproducibility and long-term stability, which parameters are largely influenced by the nanostructure.

The aim of this research is to develop intrinsically stable metal-halide perovskite films using industrially relevant nanopatterning and crystal engineering approaches, to influence and improve essential photophysical and optical parameters. We will in particular explore recently developed tools involving the use of soft lithography and 2-dimensional seed layers to guide crystal growth and orientation and control the structure on a (sub-)micrometer scale. Light-induced processes responsible for the device performance will be elucidated using ultrafast spectroscopy and microscopy.

The research will be pursued by 2 PhD-students, in close collaboration with Solliance where prototype tests will be performed, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Conversion systems, Morphotonics and Domicro. PhD-student 1 will focus on the development and analysis of nanopatterned metal-halide perovskite layers, performed in the Inorganic Materials Science group under supervision of Prof. André ten Elshof. Ph.D. student 2 will study the photophysical and optical properties of the nanopatterned films by ultrafast spectroscopy and microscopy in the PhotoCatalytic Synthesis group under supervision of Dr. Annemarie Huijser.

• You are highly motivated and an enthusiastic researcher (F/M).
• You have a MSc degree in Chemistry (Ph.D. students 1 and 2), Physics (Ph.D. student 2) or equivalent, with excellent experimental skills.
• You have a keen interest in Materials Science and bridging Chemistry and Physics.
• You have strong analytical skills and a keen interest in the interpretation of complex data.
• You are fluent in English.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

For more information, please contact Prof. André ten Elshof (PhD-student 1, j.e.tenelshof@utwente.nl) or Dr. Annemarie Huijser (PhD-student 2, j.m.huijser@utwente.nl). The application should include a motivation letter emphasizing your research interest and motivation to apply for PhD position 1 or 2, a detailed CV, contact details of at least 2 referees, an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education and a TOEFL or IELTS score to verify sufficient mastering of the English language. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

You will be appointed on a fulltime position for 4 years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating scientific environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues. Salary and conditions are in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities.

• Salary ranging from € 2.325- gross at the start to € 2.972,- gross in the 4th year.
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme.
• A training program in which you and your supervisors will make a plan for additional suitable education and supervision.
• As a PhD. candidate you will be enrolled in the Twente Graduate School.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, but also stimulate interaction and discussion with colleagues.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.