PhD Research Studentships

Scalable and high-yield manufacturing high-efficiency single-crystal perovskite solar cells

Supervisor: Lei SU
Apply by:30 January 2022

Description

We seek applicants for a PhD studentship in Optics or Material Engineering in the School of Engineering and Materials Science at the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Single-crystal perovskites possess exceptional optoelectronic properties and stability and have emerged as a promising material for future high-efficiency solar cells. The scalable manufacturing of single-crystal perovskite optoelectronics is currently facing significant technical challenges. We have recently made progresses in this field [1,2]. This project aims to develop new single-crystal perovskites based optoelectronic devices. Candidates with good first degrees in Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Fibre Optics, Optoelectronics, Electronic Engineering, Machine Learning, or Physics are encouraged to apply. A master degree will be an advantage.

Relevant publications:

[1] Zhang J, et. al., “Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetector Using Patterned Perovskite Single‐Crystalline Thin Films”. Advanced Optical Materials. 2021 Jun 2:2100524.

[2] Zhang, J, et. al., (2020) Solution-processed Epitaxial Growth of Arbitrary Surface Nanopatterns on Hybrid Perovskite Monocrystalline Thin Films. ACS nano 14(9), pp.11029-11039.

This studentship is part of the Green Energy Cohort.

Funding

This studentship is fully funded via the UKRI EPSRC Doctoral Training Programme for 3.5 years and includes a stipend (currently £17,609 in 2021/2022) and Fees.

Eligibility

This year UKRI announced that there will be a limited number of studentships for international students available.  International applicants are encouraged to apply but should note that studentship awards will be subject to eligibility and the availability of funding.

To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have settled status, or
  • Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or  
  • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classified as an international student.

Further guidance on UKRI Eligibility Criteria is here, and within Annex One of the International Eligibility Guidance.

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start from September 2022

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Lei Su, Email: l.su@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the PhD Full-time Materials Science - Semester 1 (September Start) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Research degrees in Materials:​ http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials.html

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2022 EPSRC DTP LS’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
  • SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
  • Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
  • Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Lei SU.

Related website:http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials.html