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Bachelor/Master projects
Are you interested in our research? That makes us happy! Whether you prefer to produce solar cells yourself, tinker with measurement setups or simulate physical processes, we are sure to find the right thing for you. Please contact us for possible topics for bachelor's, master's or state examination theses.
Possible Bachelor/Master Projects:
Optimisation of Narrow Bandgap (NBG) Perovskite Solar Cells for Tandem Applications (Bachelor)
Project description
This project focuses on the optimisation of narrow bandgap (NBG) perovskite absorber layers for tandem solar cell applications. The goal is to fine-tune the composition, processing conditions, and post-treatments to achieve films with suitable bandgaps (1.2–1.3 eV), high crystallinity, and low non-radiative recombination. You will fabricate NBG perovskite films and characterise them using UV-Vis spectroscopy with Tauc plot analysis for optical bandgap determination, as well as PLQY and time-resolved photoluminescence to assess radiative efficiency and carrier lifetimes. Morphology and phase purity will be evaluated using microscopy and X-ray techniques. Promising absorber layers will be integrated into full solar cells, with device performance assessed through JV scans, EQE measurements, and stability testing. Simulations and experimental band alignment studies will be used to understand and optimise charge transport across interfaces.This work aims to advance the development of efficient, stable, and scalable NBG perovskite solar cells for next-generation tandem photovoltaics.
Skills Acquired
You will gain expertise in perovskite material science, particularly the synthesis and optimisation of NBG absorber layers. Hands-on skills in thin-film fabrication (e.g. spin coating, thermal annealing), and optical and electronic characterisation techniques including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Tauc plot analysis, PLQY, and time-resolved PL will be developed. You will also work with device characterisation tools such as JV and EQE, and apply modelling techniques for band alignment analysis. Throughout the project, you will strengthen your problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific communication skills, and gain experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment bridging materials science, physics, and engineering.
Contact person: Gülüsüm Babayeva
Interlayers for Stable All-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells (Bachelor/Master)
Project description
Tandem solar cells based entirely on perovskite absorbers are among the most promising next-generation photovoltaic technologies. By stacking a wide bandgap perovskite top cell (to absorb high-energy photons) over a narrow bandgap perovskite bottom cell (to absorb lower-energy photons), these devices can surpass the efficiency limit of single-junction solar cells, reaching theoretical efficiencies up to 44%. A key challenge in the fabrication of monolithic (2-terminal) tandem solar cells is the integration of interlayers that electrically and optically connect the two sub cells without compromising stability or performance. These interlayers must be chemically compatible, allow for efficient charge recombination, and ideally support scalable fabrication. Our group is addressing this challenge by implementing vacuum-based sputtering techniques to deposit ultrathin and robust interlayers. To this end, we have acquired a new vacuum deposition system, with this project you can be part of the activities of putting it into operation and then use it for the fabrication and optimization of tandem interlayers.
Your main tasks will include:
· Assisting with the commissioning of the new vacuum sputter coater, including calibration, troubleshooting, and establishing safe operating procedures.
· Developing and optimizing sputtering protocols for various interlayer materials (e.g., metal oxides, recombination contacts, buffer layers).
· Integrating sputtered interlayers into all-perovskite tandem devices and evaluating their impact on performance and long-term stability.
· Collaborating with other team members to fabricate and characterize complete tandem solar cells.Skills acquired
By the end of the project, you will have gained valuable interdisciplinary experience at the interface of materials science, photovoltaics, and vacuum engineering, including in-depth knowledge of perovskite optoelectronic materials and interfacial engineering for tandem solar cells. Besides hands-on expertise in operating and maintaining vacuum deposition systems, particularly sputtering you will have made experience with a range of characterization techniques such as JV (current-voltage) measurements, EQE (external quantum efficiency), ellipsometry and hyperspectral photoluminescence imaging for spatially resolved material quality. This will help you to develop experimental routines and protocols for reproducible device fabrication, thereby strengthening your scientific communication and presentation skills in a supportive, collaborative team environment.
Target Audience
This project is ideally suited for Master's and motivated Bachelor students in physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, or related disciplines. We are looking for highly motivated individuals who already have prior lab experience and are comfortable working independently on experimental tasks. A strong interest in renewable energy and hands-on fabrication is essential. Prior experience with vacuum systems or thin film deposition (e.g., spin-coating, sputtering, evaporation) is a plus.
Start Date: Summer 2025
Contact Person: Christopher Janas
Optimization of Hole Transport Layer (HTL) to improve the Efficiency and Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells (Bachelor/Master)
Project description
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted significant attention in the field of photovoltaic research due to their remarkable power conversion efficiency and cost-effective fabrication processes. A critical component influencing the performance and stability of PSCs is the hole transport layer (HTL), which facilitates efficient charge extraction and transport while mitigating interfacial recombination losses. Conventional single-layer HTLs often exhibit limitations such as suboptimal energy level alignment, inadequate moisture resistance, and thermal instability, thereby constraining the overall efficiency and longevity of the device. To overcome these challenges, the integration of double-layer HTLs has emerged as a promising strategy. By combining two complementary materials, this approach enhances charge transport dynamics, optimizes interfacial energy alignment, and improves the environmental and thermal stability of PSCs. Consequently, double-layer HTLs hold significant potential for advancing the commercial viability and long-term operational stability of perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies.
The goal of this project is to investigate, optimize, and implement various hole transport layers (HTLs), including P3HT, NiOx, and PEDOT, within the structure of double-layer HTLs in perovskite solar cells. The aim is to enhance both the Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) and the Operational Stability of these solar cells, contributing to their overall performance and durability.Skills Acquired
In this project, you will gain hands-on experience in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells using solution-based processing techniques. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive set of optoelectronic characterization methods, ranging from fundamental current-voltage (I-V) measurements to advanced techniques such as Photoluminescence Quantum Yield (PLQY), Photoluminescence (PL) imaging, and Time-Resolved PL (TRPL). Additionally, you will assess the long-term stability of the fabricated devices using our dedicated Aging Station, providing valuable insights into their degradation mechanisms and operational lifetime.
Contact person: Ali Reza Nazari Pour
Optimization of Interfaces in p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells (Bachelor)
Project description
This project focuses on optimizing the interfaces in p-i-n perovskite solar cells to enhance their efficiency and stability. Interfaces play a critical role in selective charge extraction, recombination processes, and overall device efficiency. The study involves identifying and testing suitable interfacial materials to improve charge extraction and minimize recombination losses, while also employing advanced deposition methods, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) to create smooth, defect-free interfaces. You will produce perovskite solar cells and use advanced characterization techniques such as photoluminescence and current-voltage measurements to evaluate the performance of the interfaces. Additionally, modeling and simulation will help in understanding charge dynamics and optimizing energy band alignment. Furthermore, the impact of the interfaces on long-term stability will be assessed. This work aims to provide valuable insights into the role of interfaces in perovskite solar cells and propose strategies for improving their performance, contributing to the advancement of scalable and sustainable photovoltaic technology.
Skills Acquired
During this thesis, a variety of skills will be acquired, including expertise in understanding the properties and behavior of perovskite and interfacial materials used in solar cell fabrication. Hands-on experience with thin-film deposition methods such as spin coating, thermal evaporation, and sputtering will be gained, alongside proficiency in advanced characterization techniques like time resolved and absolutely calibrated photoluminescence, as well as current-voltage measurements for evaluating material and device performance. Data analysis and computational modeling will be applied to study charge dynamics and optimize interfaces. Problem-solving and project management skills will be developed through experimental design and troubleshooting, while scientific communication will be refined through writing and presenting findings. Collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment will enhance the ability to integrate materials science, physics, and engineering for innovative solutions.
Contact person: Gülüsüm Babayeva