High-Efficiency and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells for Scalable Manufacturing

Introduction

The Energy Materials Hybrid Lab (EMHL) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research at the interface of experimental physics, materials science, and photovoltaic technology. EMHL is a newly established research group within the Materials to Devices (M2D) research group, one of Europe’s leading research environments for next-generation optoelectronic materials and photovoltaic technologies. As part of EMHL and M2D, you will join a vibrant interdisciplinary community and have access to state-of-the-art facilities for thin-film fabrication, advanced optoelectronic characterisation, spectroscopy, device processing, and photovoltaic testing.

This PhD position will be shared with Prof. René Janssen. The project focuses on developing high-efficiency and intrinsically stable medium-bandgap perovskite solar cells that can ultimately be manufactured at high speed and large area. You will investigate the materials, interfaces, and processing conditions that control device voltage, efficiency, and stability, and translate laboratory-scale methods toward roll-to-roll-compatible fabrication. The project is part of the SolarNL programme and connects fundamental photovoltaic research at TU/e with expertise in scalable perovskite processing at TNO and other consortium partners.

Job description

Perovskite solar cells offer an exceptional combination of efficiency, tunable optical properties, and compatibility with low-cost solution processing. Perovskites with bandgaps around 1.45–1.55 eV are especially attractive for highly efficient single-junction and future multi-junction photovoltaic devices. Yet high-performing cells in this important bandgap range remain underdeveloped, particularly in the p–i–n device configuration best suited to stable devices, tandem integration, and scalable manufacturing.

In this PhD project, you will develop FA-rich, medium-bandgap perovskite absorbers and p–i–n solar cells with reduced voltage losses, high power-conversion efficiency, and improved stability under heat and illumination. You will combine device fabrication with advanced optoelectronic and surface characterisation to identify bulk defects, interface recombination, and energy-level misalignment. Using these insights, you will optimise absorber composition, passivation strategies, charge-transport layers, solvent systems, and crystallisation methods. As device performance advances, you will help translate successful laboratory processes toward high-speed, large-area coating in collaboration with TNO.

Your research may include

• Fabricating and optimising medium-bandgap perovskite solar cells in the p–i–n configuration
• Identifying bulk and interface losses using quasi-Fermi-level studies, photocurrent spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and complementary optoelectronic measurements
• Developing additive, interface-passivation, and charge-transport-layer strategies to maximise voltage and efficiency
• Evaluating intrinsic device stability under prolonged illumination and elevated temperature
• Developing benign solvent systems, quenching methods, and crystallisation schemes compatible with high-speed roll-to-roll processing
• Transferring promising processes from spin coating at TU/e toward slot-die coating and large-area fabrication with TNO

The project targets perovskite solar cells with open-circuit voltages approaching 95% of the detailed-balance limit, power-conversion efficiencies above 22%, and intrinsic stability for 1,000 hours under one-sun illumination at 85 °C. Working within EMHL, M2D, and the SolarNL consortium, you will collaborate with researchers across experimental physics, chemistry, materials science, device engineering, and industrially relevant photovoltaic manufacturing.

Job requirements

You have

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Physics, Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• A strong interest in experimental research on semiconductor materials, thin films, optoelectronic devices, or photovoltaics
• Experience with experimental laboratory work and a careful, systematic approach to materials or device fabrication
• An enthusiasm for connecting fundamental physical understanding with scalable processing and real-world photovoltaic manufacturing
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication skills and excellent written and spoken English
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment

Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage

• Perovskite or other solution-processed semiconductor materials
• Photovoltaic or optoelectronic device fabrication
• Thin-film deposition, spin coating, slot-die coating, or roll-to-roll processing
• Optical, electrical, spectroscopic, or surface characterisation techniques
• Device stability testing, interface engineering, or defect passivation

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is excited to understand how materials and interfaces govern photovoltaic performance and eager to translate fundamental insights into scalable technology. If you meet many, but not necessarily all, of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply!

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position, including your knowledge and expertise in the fields mentioned above.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.