The exploitation of organic materials for converting sunlight into electricity is believed to convey several advantages such as light weight, flexibility, environmental friendliness, a low thermal budget, low cost and most notably very fast modes of production by printing techniques. Issues related to scaling to large area plastic solar cells are slowly starting to be resolved and production of very large modules up 1000 square centimetres have been reported. Some challenges remain to be addressed before organic solar cells can fulfil their potential as a pervasive, low-cost source of renewable energy, notably improving their efficiency and their long term stability.
The Solar Energy Programme at Risø DTU is among the world’s research leaders in organic solar cells – a cost-efficient alternative to silicon-based solar cells. The solar cell group is expanding in various scientific directions covering all possible aspects of organic solar cells. The Solar Energy Programme consists of a dynamical and versatile group of people with a positive team spirit.
A PhD scholarship in characterization of degradation and stability of new materials and compositions are available in the project “Organic-based photovoltaic cells with morphology control” supported by the Danish National Research Foundation (Grundforskningsfonden).
The performance of polymer solar cells is correlated with the nanostructure of the photoactive layer. To develop methods for optimizing performance, the first and foremost prerequisite is therefore knowledge of the desired nanostructure. The optimum active layer morphology of the organic solar cell is thought to consist of a bi-continuous network with an average electron donor/acceptor separation matching the diffusion length of the photo-generated electron-hole pair, usually taken as 10 nm. This nanostructure is referred to as a bulk heterojunction and is presently optimized by empirical methods.
The PhD student will be a part of the physics team focusing on methods for characterizing, modeling and predicting the nano-structure of polymer and hybrid solar cells.
Project description
The aim of the PhD project is to contribute to the necessary understanding of the correlation between photophysics and nanostructure of the bulk heterojunction. This will be achieved by using a combination of state of the art X-ray tomography at large scale facilities around the world, and more conventional scattering techniques at the X-ray facility of the Solar Energy Programme to derive quantitative, defining parameters for ideal bulk heterojunctions. Methods for applying the relevant X-ray techniques to both model devices and roll to roll coated devices on flexible substrates should be developed during the project.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering
- Experience with experimental techniques
- Good skills in mathematics, programming and data analysis
- Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
- Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment. Good possibilities for professional and personal growth. A family friendly organization with flexible working hours.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. Employment will be as soon as possible. The place of work is Risø DTU in Roskilde.
Application
We must have your online application in English by 6 August 2010. Please open the link “apply online” and fill in the application form and attach your application, CV and information about academic grades.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Further information
Please contact Senior Researcher Jens Wenzel Andreasen +45 4677 4702 for further information.
Additional information about Risø DTU and the Solar Energy Programme can be found on risoe.dtu.dk.
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