In the context of a recently awarded NWO LIFT grant “Powering Windows with Luminescent Nanocrystals” a postdoc position is available at Delft University of Technology to work on the synthesis and characterization of luminescent nanocrystals for application in Luminescent Solar Concentrators. This project is a collaboration with TU Delft spin-out company PHYSEE.

Project summary
An increasing amount of high-rise buildings are built, which are impossible to be made self-sufficient using existing renewable energy technologies. Due to recent architectural trends, new buildings have a high ratio of windows, which provides an enormous opportunity for energy producing windows.

In this project we are developing an electricity generating window that works on the principle of luminescent solar concentrator (LSC). Compared to conventional windows that reflect about 30% of the incoming light, a coating collects the light and redirect it to the edges of the windows, where integrated solar cells convert it into electricity. This luminescent coating can absorb the sunlight in a favorable spectral region where solar irradiation is the strongest, while emit the light in different wavelengths in the near-infrared (NIR) region that is invisible to human eyes. This technology is expected to enhance the power conversion efficiency up to 10%, while still optimizing the incoming sunlight with minimal light loss due to absorption (>50 %). 

The main challenge is to find a suitable technique to synthesize stable luminescent nanophosphor that absorbs sunlight efficiently, while re-emitting the light y at the correct wavelength with minimal losses, such as reabsorption or scattering. The current project seeks to synthesize a novel type of colloidal nanocrystal (NC) phosphor and to apply it in LSCs.

Your role in the project
You will develop luminescent nanocrystal phosphors with a range of different synthesis techniques. The goal is to identify the most promising method to prepare phosphors of a high photoluminescence quantum yield. In addition to synthesis, you will use optical spectroscopy to characterize the properties of the NCs, and a range of structural characterization techniques (TEM, XPS, XRD, ICP-OES) to determine in detail their composition. Together with LSC company PHYSEE you will apply the NCs in solution processable coatings and you will test their performance in LSC windows.

Department
The mission of the Department of Chemical Engineering (www.cheme.tudelft.nl) is 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.

The Optoelectronic Materials section is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering. Our key interest is studying the nature and dynamics of excited states and charge carriers in molecules, quantum dots, nanorods and two-dimensional materials. For more information: www.tudelft.nl/cheme/houtepengroup.

A background in working with inorganic materials, especially transition metal doped crystals, is required. We especially seek people with experience in stabilizing transition metal ions in uncommon oxidation states. Knowledge of coordination chemistry and optical spectroscopy, as well as working with colloidal nanomaterials is considered favourable. A PhD degree in chemistry, physics or materials science is required.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.