Hybrid Energy Harvester Based on Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells and Triboelectric Nanogenerator

About the Project

Recent advances in energy harvesting using photovoltaic and triboelectric effects demonstrate outstanding performances of energy harvesters as power supplies. However, there are still fundamental issues that need to be dealt with, such as power interruption due to intermittence of environmental energy and long-term device stability in air. In this project, we will develop a hybrid energy harvester (HEH) that is composed of quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The HEH demonstrates dual-mode as well as simultaneous energy harvesting of both types of energy. Attributed to high photocurrent and high potential from QDSCs and the TENG, an immediate base power followed by steady enhancement in power generation can be achieved in this hybrid system. The HEH is expected to provide a stable power supply to accomplish a sustainable sensor system without the aid of an external power supply.

For more information, or if there are any questions, please contact Dr Bo Hou HouB6@cardiff.ac.uk

The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements)

How to apply

Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy.

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:

• your academic CV
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic. Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk

Please note: We are do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.

In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.

In the funding section, please select that you will be self-funded or include your own sponsorship or scholarship details.

Once your application is submitted, we will review it and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.

Funding Notes

This project is offered for self-funded students only, or those with their own sponsorship or scholarship award.