PhD position in Thin Films Solar Cells
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling
The Department of Photonics Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is seeking a candidate for a PhD position on fabrication of absorber materials of Cu2ZnSnS4 and related materials by vacuum processing for thin films solar cells.
The Department of Photonics Engineering in collaboration with the Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology and Department of Energy, DTU, is working on understanding and development of high-efficiency low-tech solar cells based on the sulfur compound, the chalcogenide Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS). CZTS is a promising absorber material for solar cells and it consists of earth-abundant and environmentally friendly elements.
The PhD student will join the group at the Department of Photonics Engineering, currently consisting of two senior scientists and three PhD students. Research projects in our group related to solar cells research are ranging from thin films growth of absorber materials by Pulsed Laser Deposition and synthesis of CZTS nanoparticles by wet-chemistry. The latter approach has the potential for scale up production of solar cells. More information can be found on our homepage.
Project description
The PhD project “Thin film solar cells of chalcogenides grown by an alternative approach” aims at studying in-situ growth of chalcogenide films of CZTS using pulsed laser deposition assisted by a reactive sulfur beam. The combination of pulsed laser deposition and a sulfur beam is new and has not yet been used in other laboratories. The conventional techniques for growth of sulfur-based compounds, including CZTS, require often the use of reactive gas, such as H2S. However, H2S gas is toxic and special care needs to be taken before disposal. The aim of the project is to use a reactive sulfur source during thin film growth to match the exact composition of the CZTS layer.
The precise composition of CZTS is the key for high efficiency solar cells. The PhD is expected to perform a systematic study on the growth of chalcogenides and asses the feasibility of an environmentally safe and vacuum compatible reactive sulfur source for photovoltaic applications.
The PhD project will also aim at making CZTS cells more environmentally friendly by replacing the cadmium sulfide layer used as a standard buffer layer with novel non-toxic materials.
Qualifications
The successful candidate must have a Master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials science or equivalent. The applicant should preferably have qualifications within the following areas:
•Laboratory experience in the area of thin film synthesis by vacuum processing (pulsed laser deposition, sputtering or similar);
•Materials characterization techniques;
•Thin film photovoltaics.
Good communication skills in oral and written English are required.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, only candidates with an above the average marks are accepted in the program. We recommend the applicants to contact the supervisors in advance to assess the suitability of the application.
Candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
You can read more about Department of Photonics Engineering on <a href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.fotonik.dtu.dk")' "="" data-cke-saved-href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.fotonik.dtu.dk")'>http://www.fotonik.dtu.dk.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current Danish rules for Ph.D. degree researchers. The period of employment is 3 years.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Researcher Stela Canulesc and Head of Group Jørgen Schou.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from senior researcher Stela Canulescu (main supervisor), tel.:+45 4677 4519, email stec@fotonik.dtu.dk or co-supervisor, head of group, Jørgen Schou, email josc@fotonik.dtu.dk.
Application
Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than 8 November 2015. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
•A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
•Curriculum vitae
•Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
•Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
