Metal halide perovskite solar cell performance based on impurity profiles from Australian sourced precursor materials (PhD scholarship)

About the scholarship

Queensland University of Technology is offering an exciting PhD Scholarship opportunity for candidates eager to explore the effect of precursor purity on the properties of inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells. The PhD will be undertaken in partnership with industry partner Lava Blue (http://lavablue.com.au/). Lava Blue are developing technology in value adding Australian energy minerals for the global shift to clean energy, which involves developing a range of high purity materials for use in the manufacture of advanced batteries and other energy technology.  The successful candidate will tackle real-world research challenges with industry.

Australia has the potential to lead globally in supplying precursor materials for next-generation metal halide perovskite solar cells, leveraging its abundant critical minerals and strong mineral processing capabilities with an innovative “mineral to precursor to final product” strategy. This project will demonstrate the performance of next-generation metal halide perovskite solar cells using Australian sourced materials, complimented with computational modelling to understand the elemental interactions of any impurities.

The research group is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join the research team in the field of physics, materials science and/or materials engineering with some experience in computational modelling. Key responsibilities include perovskite synthesis, fabrication of devices, perovskite efficiency, stability testing and characterisation, along with DFT modelling.

This position offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to collaborate with both industry and academic experts. You will also have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation in QUT’s Central Analytical Research Facility, as well as access to pilot scale demonstration facilities at Lava Blue’s centre for Predictive Research into Speciality Materials (PRiSM).

What you’ll receive

You’ll receive:

• a stipend scholarship of $33,637 per annum for a maximum duration of 3.5 years while undertaking a QUT PhD. The duration includes an extension of up to 6 months if approved for your candidature. This is the full-time, tax-exempt rate which will index annually.
• a tuition fee offset/sponsorship, covering the cost of your tuition fees for the first 4 full-time equivalent years of your doctoral studies.
• a negotiable industry top-up scholarship to candidates with exceptional experience and/or capabilities to undertake the research project.
• the opportunity to work with a team of leading researchers and collaborating with industry partners to undertake your own innovative research in and across the field.

Eligibility

Required

You need to:

• meet the entry requirements for a QUT Doctor of Philosophy, including any English language requirements.
• enrol as a full time, internal student (unless approval for part-time and/or external study is obtained).
• have a science/engineering background, preferably in physics, materials chemistry or chemical engineering.

Desired

• research experience in a similar area will be highly valued, including publications and work experience.
• skills and interests in perovskite solar cells synthesis, device fabrication, testing and characterisation.
• skills in computational modelling, in particular DFT modelling.

How to apply

Apply for this scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to a QUT Doctor of Philosophy.

• The first step is to email Prof Sara Couperthwaite detailing your academic and research background, your motivation to research in this field and interest in this scholarship, and include your CV.
• If supported to apply, you will then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) following the advice at How to apply for a research degree.
• In your EOI, nominate Prof Sara Couperthwaite as your proposed principal supervisor, and copy the link to this scholarship website into question 2 of the financial details section.