Printable multi-junction solar cells for green energy production

About the Project

Burning fossil fuels for energy over the past several centuries has led to today's environmental crisis, making the transition to green energy technologies a global priority. Renewable energy sources offer a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels due to their potential for scalable energy production and minimal carbon emissions. Among the various technologies, photovoltaics (PVs) are attractive, with applications spanning many sectors of our economies. Third-generation photovoltaics are a subcategory of the large PV family and combine features not accessible through commercial PV technologies, including scalable and sustainable manufacturing and eco-friendly materials. Printable organic and metal halide perovskite-based PVs are among the most efficient technologies in this subcategory, achieving over 20% and 26% power conversion efficiencies, respectively. Despite the tremendous recent advances, however, both families face numerous technical challenges that limit their widespread deployment in commercial applications. For example, organic PVs exhibit limited stability, while the most efficient perovskite PVs rely on environmentally harmful compounds. Developing stable and eco-friendly materials and devices could lead to significant breakthroughs for the future photovoltaics industry.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Funding Notes

This 3.5 year PhD project is funded by The University of Manchester. The successful applicants will receive an annual tax free stipend, set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and tuition fees will be paid. This project is for UK students.