Research Opportunity Number: ECE-01

Project Title:  Halogen blocking, electrically conducting charge transport layers for stable perovskite solar cells

Project Summary: Halide perovskite solar cells are very promising for solar energy conversion applications, but issues of stability remain. One issue is that halogen vapor can corrode many metals which are required in large area solar modules. In this project, we propose to develop halogen blocking layers that can help protect metals from corrosion.

The student would be working with samples on glass, with Ag electrodes covered by various organic and oxide semiconductors. They would take these samples and place them into a system where we monitor current vs. time (at very small voltages, 0.1 V or so) upon exposure to iodine vapor. We take iodine crystals in a beaker, let the vapor saturate that vessel, and then open a valve to introduce that vapor to the sample. 

The student would also conduct atomic force microscopy (we have one in our lab) and optical microscopy on samples before and after iodine exposure. 
 

Student Roles and Responsibilities: The student will be trained on how to use a Keithley source measurement unit via a computer, as well as an atomic force microscope, and perform imaging and current measurements. The student will be responsible for collecting and analyzing these data, and interpreting the measurements along with the daily supervisor. The student will not be handling any hazardous materials in the course of this project. 

Additional Considerations:  The student should be available essentially for 40 hours/week. 

Department/Institute:  Electrical and Computer Engineering

Faculty Sponsor:   Barry Rand

Participation Dates: June 26 - August 11, 2023

Stipend Offered:  $0

Number of Internships Available: 0-1

Application Deadline: March 15, 2023, midnight eastern daylight time