Host institution: Technische Universitat Darmstadt (TUDa), Germany*
Co-supervisor: Université de Bordeaux (UBx), France
Partner enterprise: Skeleton Technologies, Germany
Abstract of the project:
Design of efficient photo-supercapacitors constitutes an attractive route to solve the limitations of continuous power generation by solar cells due to the intermittency of solar irradiation. Currently, the most promising systems combine lead perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and carbon-based supercapacitors with overall conversion-storage efficiencies from 11.5%[1] to 18%[2] depending on the use or not of Au electrode. Fundamental intrinsic problems of conventional thin film absorbers in PSCs are related to instability and materials criticality (e.g., use of Pb in halogenide perovskite absorbers).[3] While related stable perovskite oxides are limited in their photovoltaic performance due to the localization of electronic charge carriers, some recent theoretical work has shown that ternary chalcogenide perovskites, such as BaZrS3, have the potential to be used as absorber in solar cells with predicted efficiencies of over 28% to be compared with 26% for lead-based systems.[4] This PhD project aims to systematically study ternary chalcogenide perovskite semiconductors with ABX3 structure (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, B = Ti; Zr, Hf and X=S, Se) as a promising materials class for photovoltaic light absorbers with improved stability. On the other hand, photo-supercapacitors require the development of efficient carbon materials as electrode materials from renewable or recycled (e.g. coffee grounds) resources to assemble efficient, sustainable and scalable energy storage devices.[5] In this context, we propose to combine the expertise of TUDa in thin film technologies, photovoltaics, and surface science with the expertise of UBx/ISM in solution materials chemistry and processing to develop new absorbers and variation of electrode materials to be tested in solar cells and integrated photo-supercapacitors systems. The thin films will be characterized by standard materials science techniques and specifically by surface science techniques in the ultra-high vacuum cluster tool DAISY-SOL at TUDa for their bulk and interface properties. The obtained materials at UBx/ISM will be characterized by conventional materials science techniques (XRD, Raman, FTIR, SEM/TEM, N2 porosimetry). Finally, the most promising materials will be integrated in solar cell devices and, subsequently, into photo-supercapacitors in collaboration with UBx (ELORPrintTec) and Skeleton Technologies for Proof of Concept to Technologic Development. This work will beneficiate the support of PhD9 candidate to define the best materials from artificial intelligence/machine learning tools along with the expertise of PhD10 candidate to carry out life cycle assessment of the systems developed.
Supervisors:
TUDa: J.P. Hofmann
UBx: T. Toupance
Partner Enterprise:
Skeleton Technologies
L. Froboese
*If you have worked/lived/resided in this country for more than 12 months during the 3 years before the start of this PhD (typically: 1 Oct 2022 to 30 Sept 2025), you are not eligible for this project.
1 T. Berestok et al., Sol. RRL 2021, 5, 2100662.
2 Z. Song et al., Nano Ener. 2022, 100, 107501.
3 H. Meng et al., ChemSusChem 2019, 12, 3431.
4 S. Karthick et al., Opt. Mater. 2022, 126, 112250.
5 N. M. Keppetipola et al., RSC Adv. 2021, 11, 2854.
