Halide perovskite solar cells for space applications

The primary goal of this project is to conduct radiation and thermal testing of perovskite cells and modules for space applications. You will establish an in-situ radiation testing methodology to enable real-time IV measurements during radiation exposure with our team, including co-supervisors at the Surrey Ion Beam Centre. This will allow for the continuous monitoring of performance degradation under extreme orbital conditions. You will also gain experience working with our industry partner Teer Coatings. They will provide oxide coatings for our solar modules to harden radiation and thermal stability. You will test the effectiveness of these coatings in terms of radiation and thermal stability and predict their lifetime in space.

The research utilizes the world-class facilities at the Surrey Ion Beam Centre. You will apply advanced characterisation tools like ToF-ERDA to track atomic-level degradation. This work directly supports the development of radiation and thermal-hardened perovskite modules for LEO and GEO satellites.

You will bridge the gap between fundamental material science, electronics, and practical aerospace engineering. The project provides unique access to radiation and thermal testing protocols and space module fabrication techniques. You will receive comprehensive training in space compatible module fabrication, material science of coating, and space environment simulation. This multidisciplinary environment prepares you for a high-impact career in the global space and energy sectors. We invite applications from motivated candidates with backgrounds in space engineering, materials science, electronics, chemistry, or physics. Help us secure the future of sustainable and resilient satellite power systems.

For further context on our group's work in this field, please refer to the following publications:

1. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c05407
2. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsenergylett.5c02116
3. https://www.cell.com/joule/abstract/S2542-4351(25)00224-7
4. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2026/ee/d5ee03704b

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for the Advanced Technology Institute PhD programme.

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.