Ph D-student: Eco-design of thin Si PV

Work Activities

Eco-design, or sustainable design, plays a crucial role in the development of solar cells by minimizing environmental impact through use of resources, energy conservation and emissions. In Si heterojunction (SHTJ) cells, reducing the silicon wafer thickness enables more active solar cell area per kg of Si, which potentially reduces costs and improves energy returns. Thinner wafers offer increased tolerance to bulk defects, giving rise to the opportunity of producing higher efficiencies from low-cost low-energy-intensive materials like upgraded metallurgical-grade silicon. Additionally, SHTJ PV relies on the use of a thin ITO layer on the amorphous and/or nano-crystalline Si contacts, to facilitate lateral charge transport and good ohmic-contact to Ag fingers. However, indium and silver are scarce metals (thus also costly) that should be avoided/minimized. To improve the economical balance and environmental footprint of SHTJ, new materials and processes are required.
This project focuses on developing novel optically and electrically active layers that enable to further reduce the environmental impact of SHTJ cells without sacrificing power production. You will design and fabricate light trapping textures on thin solar cells, building on our expertise on nature-inspired rationally designed dielectric textures with correlated disorder. You will then investigate the introduction of metallic nanoscale networks based on sustainable metal alternatives (e.g. Cu), that work as transparent electrodes. You will learn cleanroom and electrochemical deposition methods to fabricate nanopatterned metal and metal oxide networks.

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 Ph D candidates must hold an MSc degree in physics or equivalent qualification.

Work environment

The3DPV group, led by Prof. Esther Alarcon, studies light-matter interactions in nanoscale systems for sustainable energy storage and conversion. The group is composed of an international team of 7-10 Ph D students, postdocs and master students that work in a collaborative atmosphere. Every week we hold group meeting and a subteam meeting, in addition to departmental colloquium and poster sessions. Our group is part of AMOLFs Light Management in Photovoltaic Materials Program (www.LMPV.nl) that is composed of 5 research groups (50 Ph D 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. Ph D 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 working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• 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 2.884,- Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the Ph D research a Ph D degree will be granted at the University of Amsterdam.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for Ph D-students.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign Ph D-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?

For further information about the position, please contact Esther Alarcon Llado: e.alarconllado@amolf.nl

Application

Online screening may be part of the selection.

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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