Work Activities
The optimization of the efficiency of silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells requires efficient light trapping in the silicon bottom cell. Typically, the surface of the silicon cell is covered with macroscopic surface texture, in order to create light trapping. However, for a 2T geometry the integration with a perovskite top cell is not always compatible with macroscopic surface features. In this project we investigate the use of specially designed metallo-dielectric back reflector to replace the surface texture on the Si cell, so that the perovskite-silicon interface can remain flat. The design is based on our recent demonstration, together with Fraunhofer ISE, of a 36.1%-efficient GaInAsP/GaInP/Si multijunction solar cell, a record for a Si based solar cell (1,2)
As a second parallel thrust in this project we will investigate how suitably shaped nano-patterned structures placed at the perovskite surface of the tandem solar cell can improve the light incoupling, based on our recent work that has shown this for thin CIGS solar cells (3). In a third parallel thrust we will investigate how suitably shaped micropatterns can be used to enhance passive radiative cooling of solar cells. Here, we build on our recent preliminary work that has demonstrated this concept using silica microcylinders that were fabricated using soft imprint technology (4). Passive radiative cooling is a generic concept that can be applied on all solar cell materials. We aim to apply optimized microdesigns tailored to the solar cell geometries studied in the SolarNL program, in particular the lightweight polymer-laminated Si solar cell panels fabricated by Solarge, polymer-laminated perovskite foils fabricated by HyET solar and glass- or polymer-coated 4T silicon-perovskite tandems fabricated by TNO.
In optimizing our designs we will collaborate with the other SolarLab partners including the TUD/PVMD group that will make both perovskite and c-Si solar cells and is able to make solar cells on double side flat, double side textured substrates. We will investigate the tradeoff between using a textured Si wafer (with excellent light trapping) with an overgrown perovskite (which has lower quality than a flat film) and a flat Si wafer with metallo-dielectric backcontact (with less efficient light trapping) and a flat perovskite layer that is easier to fabricate. We will also investigate the cost of using this process in an industrial process. The two approaches of light scattering and radiative cooling will be studied in parallel, and we will optimize for geometries that result in radiative cooling and good light absorption at the same time. Preliminary results show that structures that work well for radiative cooling can create further enhanced light trapping in the visible range at the same time.
(1) A. Cordaro, R. Müller, S. Tabernig, N. Tucher, P. Schygulla, O. Höhn, B. Bläsi, and A. Polman, ACS Photon. 10, 4061(2023).
(2) P. Schygulla, R. Müller, O. Höhn, M. Schachtner, D. Chojniak, A. Cordaro, S. Tabernig, B. Bläsi, A. Polman, G. Siefer, D. Lackner, and F. Dimroth, Progr. Photovolt., in press (2023)
(3) Y. Li, S.W. Tabernig, G. Yin, A. Polman, and M. Schmid, Solar RRL 2200695 (2022)
(4) E. Akerboom, T. Veeken, C. Hecker, J. van de Groep, and A. Polman, ACS. Photon. 9, 3831 (2022)
Research questions/aims
- To design a metallodielectric metasurface backreflector for 2T perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells
- To experimentally determine the effect of light trapping in optimized geometries on model systems
- To design a nanostructured metasurface to enhance light incoupling in perovskite solar cells
- To design a microstructured metasurface to enhance passive radiative cooling of perovskite solar cells, polymer-laminated solar panels, and 4T tandem solar cells
- To apply the optimized nano- and micro textures and test the developed models in solar cells
List three research goals
- Optimized light trapping in 2T perovskite-silicon solar cells with metallodielectric back reflector
- Optimized light incoupling for perovskite solar cells with nanostructured surface coating
- Optimized radiative cooling in silicon, perovskite, and perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells with microstructured surface coating
Research methods
- Numerical simulations, machine learning and AI optimization, Nanoimprint fabrication, Optical scattering spectroscopy, Electrical cell characterization
Qualifications
We invite applications from highly motivated candidates with a strong background in physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering, and a keen interest in solar cells. We especially encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Prospective PhD candidates must hold an MSc degree in physics or equivalent qualification.
Work environment
The Photonic Materials group (www.erbium.nl), led by Prof. Albert Polman, studies light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. The group is composed of an international team of 8-10 PhD students, postdocs and master students that work in a collaborative atmosphere with many social group activities. Every week we hold group meeting, PV team meeting, and departmental colloquium and poster sessions, in addition to regular journal clubs. We also regularly organize an international group labtour. Our group is part of AMOLFs Light Management in Photovoltaic Materials Program that is composed of 5 research groups (50 PhD students and postdocs) that share a state-of-the-art cleanroom for nanofabrication and characterization and many other facilities.
We offer a highly collaborative and supportive environment, fostering strong connections both within the group and with our national and international partners. PhD students benefit from a variety of courses designed to enhance their research skills.
AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl
Working conditions
- The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
- The starting salary is 2.781 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits
- After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at a Dutch University
- Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students
- AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses
More information?
For further information about the position, please contact Albert Polman: a.polman@amolf.nl
Application
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Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.
AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
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