Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar: Metal Halide Perovskites for Next Generation Space Power Applications

Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar
Metal Halide Perovskites for Next Generation Space Power Applications

Dr. Ian Sellers
Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering
University of Buffalo

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Abstract:
In this presentation the potential of metal halide perovskite solar cells for space power applications will be presented. This discussion will focus on recent work, which includes the assessment of the systems in low-intensity-low-temperature (LILT) conditions for outer planetary missions, in addition to exposure to high temperatures and variable radiation conditions that directly and independently impact the absorber material and transporting layers of the solar cells. This presentation will discuss a number of perovskite systems including mixed Pb-Sn systems and the FAMACs family of metal halide perovskites. It will be shown that perovskites display remarkable tolerance to high radiation exposure and that while measurements do suggest high energy radiation negatively affects the transporting layers and interfaces in the devices: the perovskite absorber is not affected in any significant way. Moreover, these systems are observed to self-heal under ambient conditions in the dark demonstrating the unique behavior of perovskite solar cells and their potential for future space applications. This is further substantiated by high temperature measurements that indicate specific triple cation perovskites displays no appreciable or permanent degradation up to 500 K, supporting in particular their potential as candidate systems for future lunar missions.

Speaker Bio:
Ian Sellers received his Bachelor’s degree from the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the University of Liverpool in 1999, a Master Degree from the Dept. of Physics at Imperial College London in 2001, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Sheffield in 2004. Between 2004 – 2006, Dr. Sellers was a Marie Curie Fellow at CRHEA-CNRS in Valbonne, France, a position that was followed by a postdoctoral position at the University at Buffalo in the United States. In 2008, Dr. Sellers joined the Solar Energy and Technology Group as a Senior Research Scientist at Sharp Laboratories of Europe in Oxford, UK where, he also held the position of Visiting Academic Fellow in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford. After spending three years in Industry, Dr. Sellers returned to the Academic environment taking a position at the University of Oklahoma in 2011 where he rose to the position Ted S. Webb Presidential Professor of Physics. In addition to his faculty position at OU, Dr. Sellers also held the position of Associate Director of the Oklahoma Photovoltaics Research Institute until his departure this Summer. In August 2023, Dr Sellers joined the faculty in Electrical Engineering as a strategic hire in green energy at the University at Buffalo SUNY. Professor Sellers’ research is focused on the development and investigation of novel quantum-engineered material and devices for next generation photovoltaics. Specific programs involve hot carrier dynamics in III-V and perovskite systems, defect formation and stability of thin-film CIGS and perovskites solar cells, as well as their suitability for deep space power applications.

Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, experts. Those with interest in the topic.

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