New synthetic routes for the preparation of chalcogenide perovskite materials

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Photovoltaic cells are devices that transform light in electricity through a "solar absorber", the material that absorbs photons and transforms it into excited charges, generating electricity. Lead-based perovskites (e.g. MAPbI3) are one of the newest and most promising absorbers: they have high efficiency, are easy to make and based on abundant and cheap materials, even if they suffer poor stability in air.Many other types of perovskites exist, and currently several branches of that family tree are being explored both to overcome stability issues affecting lead-based perovskites and to explore new compositions and different applications. Chalcogenide perovskites (e.g. BaZrS3) have attractive features for their use as photon absorbers, but are difficult to synthesize, especially as thin-films, due high temperature processing requirements. This project will explore new and alternative synthetic routes for the preparation of chalcogenide perovskites and deposit these materials in thin-film form. Fabricating chalcogenide perovskites in both bulk and thin-films will allow thorough characterization of the optoelectronic properties and the implementation of these materials in photovoltaic devices. To achieve this goal, different techniques will be employed, but particular relevance will be given to "dry methods" that do not require solvents. Importantly, this will allow to develop a green, solvent-free method of preparation of materials and devices, with even lower environmental impact of the photovoltaic technology.