Understanding the evolution of structure, ion migration and defect properties during (de)mixing of lead-halide perovskites (DE-MIX)

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/germany.png Germany
  • University/Institute Name University of Bayreuth
  • University/Institute Name Department of Chemistry
  • Attendance Type On Campus
  • Position Duration3 years
  • Position Funding Type
  • Application deadlineExpired

Position Details (PhD)

My junior group at the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry III (https://www.senker.uni-bayreuth.de/en/research-grueninger/index.html) seeks to fill an open position as soon as possible within the Priority Programme SPP 2196-2 in our sub-project “Understanding the evolution of structure, ion migration and defect properties during (de)mixing of lead-halide perovskites (DE-MIX)”.

The position offers the opportunity for scientific qualification as part of a Ph.D. graduation and is initially limited to three years. Remuneration is based on salary group 13 TV-L part-time 50% (a later increase to 67% is conceivable).

The project:

A change in energy harvest towards renewable energy sources is one of the main challenges our society needs to solve. Lead halide perovskites are currently considered one of the most promising semiconductor materials for the next generation of solar cells. Due to their structural flexibility to incorporate mixtures of different halides, the band gap energy of mixed perovskite compositions is easily adaptable so that record efficiencies in tandem solar cells are reached.

A main challenge remains in the phase stability of the mixed halide perovskites upon external stimuli such as light, as the materials tend to halide demixing events. This is currently hindering their successful commercialization. Our project thus aims to comprehensively analyze the complex structural dynamics that occur during halide demixing and mixing, in order to develop a clear understanding of the kinetic and thermodynamic laws of ion migration. This will finally lead to an improvement of the perovskites phase stability, while preserving their excellent optoelectronic properties.

Your tasks:

You will be responsible for the structural analysis of the perovskites during halide mixing and subsequent demixing processes initiated and driven through temperature and/or illumination stimuli. For this purpose, you will use modern in-situ analytical techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. For this we offer a thorough training for hands-on work and the theoretical background. Through the integration in an interdisciplinary team, your findings will be correlated with data about the optical properties, as well as morphology and defect properties of the perovskites. You will further benefit from the SPP network including over 30 experts in the field which will allow to link your research to a wider context.

Your profile:

Requirement for the application is an university degree (M.Sc. level), preferably in the fields of chemistry, physics or material sciences, the ability to think analytically and the willingness to become involved in complex scientific research. We are looking for dynamic and open-minded personalities who enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is explicitly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Network “Familie in der Hochschule e.V.”, and has successfully participated in the HRK audit “Internationalization of the University”. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Please apply online with meaningful application documents (letter of motivation, CV, and certificates) by February 28th, 2023 via our Application Portal Uni Bayreuth

Code word: De-Mix

The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Helen Grüninger

(phone: +49 921 55 2528, email: [email protected])

Computer/Software Skills Required

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