Charge separation dynamics at interfaces for solar energy conversion

In this project, interfaces for solar cell applications will be studied to gain insights into the fundamental photo-physics and chemistry of the solar energy conversion process at an atomic level.

Specifically, photoelectron spectroscopy will be used to study the interface formation and chemical stability of active materials with selective contacts and time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy will be used to study the dynamics of charge separation and photovoltage generation.The project is built on methods developed during my VR starting grant, where I have shown that time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy can be used to study the charge generation dynamics at specific interfaces within a solar cell, while obtaining atomic level information from core level spectroscopy.

This project will apply this method to the interfaces central to the photovoltage and current generation in hybrid solar cells based on perovskite active layers.

Materials will be developed in my research group at KTH and obtained in collaborations, while measurements will be carried out at a new facility at KTH, as well as at synchrotron radiation facilities.

The results are expected to lead to a better understanding of the fundamental properties and processes of interfaces for hybrid solar cells enabling the development of efficient and stable solar cells in the future.