PhD Study : Novel nanostructures for high efficiency solar energy harvesting

Summary

Our societal energy supply relies heavily on fossil fuels which will lead to the quick depletion of natural resources in a foreseeable future. At the same time, it creates large amounts of greenhouse gasses causing global warming and pollute our environment. All these have urged us to explore alternative clean energy sources for sustainable human activities. Renewable energy is the path for a sustainable future and solar energy is at the heart of this development. The performance and efficiency limitations are the main obstacles preventing solar energy from fulfilling its potential. This research project intends to improve the efficiency of solar energy harvesting by identifying novel nanostructures and optimizing their physiochemical properties.

The aim is to develop and study novel nanostructured materials with tailored properties for photovoltaics as well as solar-thermal conversion. The nanomaterial properties will be optimized in terms of material composition, size, shape, surface functionalities and defect densities to tune optical, electrical and thermal properties. A focus of the work will be in understanding and modifying the transport properties (charge carrier and heat) of nanomaterials for efficient energy conversion and optimized device performance. Novel plasma processing and complementary chemical synthesis routes will be explored for synthesis of these nanostructured materials. The optoelectronic and optothermal properties will be tailored by manipulating the physiochemical and surface properties of the nanostructures and will be followed by in-depth characterization.

Our group has access to wide range of state-of-the-art characterization facilities (https://www.ulster.ac.uk/nibec/equipment) to carry out the proposed research. Finally, the optimized nanostructured materials will be tested for photovoltaics and solar thermal applications. While nanomaterial synthesis and advanced nanomaterials characterization will represent a major component of this project, prior experience in these areas is not mandatory as a successful applicant will be provided with adequate training.

The outcome of the project will manifest in a detailed understanding of parameters crucial for enhancing energy conversion efficiency in nanomaterial-based solar devices. This will also provide critical know how on nanomaterial-based device fabrication processes. It is expected that high impact factor journal and conference papers will be produced by the project.

The applicant should have interest in materials engineering, nanotechnology and in the application of solar energy conversion. This project will be well suited to candidates with a background in materials science, physics, chemistry, mechanical, chemical engineering or a related discipline.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living