Internal Seminar: Collin Stecker, Fundamental study and atomic-level understanding of energy materials and interfaces

Internal Seminar: Collin Stecker, PhD Student, Energy Materials and Surface Sciences Unit (Qi Unit). Language: English, no interpretation.

Title: Fundamental study and atomic-level understanding of perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications 

Abstract: 

Meeting the increasing energy demands of modern society while minimizing the detrimental effects of climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Solar energy harnessed by photovoltaic materials has the potential to help us meet future energy demands in a sustainable fashion. Halide perovskites have emerged as a promising material class that has the potential to offer lower cost, high performance, flexible thin-film solar cells. However, issues with long-term stability prevent commercialization. Defects within the perovskite crystal lattice may play a role in material stability as well as device performance, Additionally, mixing different halides into the lattice is an avenue for tuning material properties. Extensive research has been performed at the device level, but a fundamental, atomic level understanding of this material class is lacking. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is used to investigate defects in the crystal lattice and their dynamics on the perovskite surface at the atomic level. These dynamic events may provide valuable insight into undesirable device behavior. In addition, we also study mixing of different halides, and examine their distribution at the surface. We found that halide mixing may open a path toward greater stability via chlorine substitution into the crystal lattice.

Free pizza and soft drinks will be served following the Internal Seminar: please bring a mug! We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Internal Seminar Organizing Committee:

Marylka Yoe Uusisaari

Yasha Neiman

Rob Campbell

Margaret Mars Brisbin

Maéva Techer

Jigyasa Arora

Yuka Suzuki

Andreas Thomasen

Kun-Lung Li