PhD Project: Thermal Stability Analysis for Perovskite Solar Cells using Coupled Optical-Electrical-Thermal Models

This project aims to investigate the degradation trends of perovskite solar cells with graphene electrodes through coupled optical, electrical, and thermal models using the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation package, which provides 3D simulation analysis of optoelectronic devices. This approach has rarely been presented in the literature, and we are leading the research in this field by deploying the 3D simulation platform to conduct a comprehensive analysis of degradation trends in such devices, accounting for thermal instability mechanisms. COMSOL allows for the coupling of three essential modules: the Wave Optic module, the Semiconductor module, and the Heat Transfer module. Coupling these three modules is essential to perform a simulation that closely mirrors real-world conditions, as perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from moisture, photo instability under UV irradiation, and thermal instability at higher temperatures. The impact of the graphene electrode (in the form of reduced graphene oxide) on heat dissipation and the thermal stability of the cell is also simulated. The 3D heat maps produced from COMSOL simulations can elucidate heat generation and dissipation in perovskite cells under various stress conditions, offering insights into the impact of heating/cooling on accelerated decomposition of the cell structure or performance degradation. 3D simulations in COMSOL help identify the contribution of each heat generation mechanism to device performance and instability, such as heat generated from Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) non-radiative recombination, Joule heating, the Peltier effect, or cooling due to the conductivity of the cell surfaces and thermalization. Moreover, the 3D optical simulations enable the identification of the extent of total photogeneration across the cell structure and the impact of device thickness and optical constants on photoabsorption and short-circuit current.”

Student Requirements for this Project • Minimum 2.1 grade (or equivalent) in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Physics, Engineering, or similar technical discipline. The ideal candidate should have Masters in Physics, Materials Science, Electronic Engineering, or Mechanical engineering with research experience in semiconductors and optoelectronic devices. • A good understanding of semiconductor devices and PN junctions, solid-state physics, or nano-electronics. • Skills in using COMSOL is an asset. • Be motivated, dedicated, and capable of working collaboratively within a team. • Be motivated, dedicated, and capable of working collaboratively within a team.

Supervisor: Dr. Nima Gorji [email protected] www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/courses/mechatronic-engineering-tu810/

Funding: Self Funded (Scholarship not available. Fees & Materials to be paid by the student. Materials costs not significant)

If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest. forms.office.com/e/0hCcrv2Gkp