Thesis assignments | NiOx and K:doped NiOx for p-i-n perovskite solar cells

NiO_x and K:doped NiO_x for p-i-n perovskite solar cells
[Available from Jan. 2023]

Project motivation: Optimal charge transport layers in halide perovskite solar cells is the key [1] not only to their high power conversion efficiency [2] but also to their long term operation stability [3]. NiO_x is a promising wide bandgap material that has been studied extensively in recent years as a hole transporting layer (HTL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, low conductivity and surface traps are limiting the performance of NiO_x-based PSCs [4]. These can be suppressed by introducing dopants such as Cu, Ag, K, and Co [5,6]. Among all, potassium (K) has proven as an effective dopant to increase the hole mobility as well as to tune the NiO_x work function for halide perovskite solar cell applications [7].

Project goal: Study NiO_x and K-doped NiO_x prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and investigate the possible role of K in the crystal structure, morphology, optical and electronic transport properties. Manipulate the growth conditions and post-treatments to fine-tune the optoelectronic properties of thin films for application in perovskite solar cells. Final goal is implementation of optimized films in proof-of-concept perovskite solar cells and relating its properties to photovoltaic performance of PSC.

Tasks of MSc student: Thin-films of NiO_x and K:NiO_x will be prepared by PLD technique. Characterization of film properties will be performed on their structural (XRD), electrical (Hall effect), optical (UV-Vis) and morphological (AFM/SEM) properties. Additionally, compositional analysis and energy levels will be determined with XPS/UPS. Fabrication of solar cells with optimized NiO_x film as HTL.

_{[1] S. Sahare}_{et al.}_,_{Adv. Energ. Mater.}_, 2021,₁₁_{(42), 2101085}
_{[2] M. Ansari}_{et al.}_,_{J. Photochem. Photobiol.}_, 2018,₃₅_{, 1-24.}
_{[3] H. H. Park,}_{Nanomaterials}_{, 2021}₁₂_{(1), 112.}
_{[4] X. Zheng,}_{et al.}_,_{J. Mater. Chem. C}_{, 2020,}₈_{, 1972--1980}
_{[5] P. C. Chen,}_{et al.}_,_{ACS Appl. Energy Mater.}_, 2019,₂_{(9), 6705-6713.}
_{[6] L. Xu,}_{et al.}_,_{Nano Energy}_, 2019,₆₃_{, 103860.}
_{[7] M. Yang,}_{et al.}_,_{Thin Solid Films}_, 2012,₅₂₀_{(18), 5884-5888.}
_{*Option for Capital Selecta course: Introduction to Optoelectronic Materials (5 EC).}

Contact:
Suzana Kralj s.k.kralj@utwente.nl , Wiria Soltanpoor w.soltanpoor@utwente.nl
Monica Morales-Masis, CR 3237, m.moralesmasis@utwente.nl , +31534891791
https://www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/ims/research/research-morales/