Academic Supervisors: Primary: Professor Trystan Watson. Secondary: Dr Eifion Jewell
Industry Supervisor: Dr Trevor McArdle
Expected Interview Date: May 2022
Background:
Power Roll Ltd is a technology development company based in the North East of England. It is developing an innovative thin film photovoltaic (PV) technology that is based on a 3D patterned substrate suitable for high throughput roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing. As part of its scale up development, it is looking to develop R2R deposition of Perovskite into its patented architecture. PRL technology has been demonstrated at +10% efficiencies using spin coated perovskite into its flexible mini-module platform, but is now in the process of scaling all process parameters to R2R.
The project will be located within SPECIFIC as part of Professor Trystan Watson’s research group. SPECIFIC is a National Innovation and Knowledge Centre led by Swansea University, working collaboratively with Universities across the UK. SPECIFIC has significant capability and expertise across its team and facilities. Capabilities at SPECIFIC relate to the printing, coating and lifetime testing of functional materials, and the development of enabling technologies that support the transition from laboratory bench to factory floor.
The SPECIFIC PV scale-up and stability research activity is currently carried out at Swansea University’s new Bay Campus facility and is housed in purpose-built facilities which include a new stability testing and cleanroom printing facility.
Project Aims:
- Characterisation of Power Roll (PRL) architecture structure including electrode and transport materials positions, thickness and properties.
- Optimise perovskite formulation to match material architecture of PRLs substrates utilising standard spin coating deposition techniques.
- Assist PRL team to develop optimised material architecture based on analysis from IV data.
- Develop process for scale up printing of perovskite to adequately fill PRL microgrooves architecture.
- Develop optimised post processing of perovskite to accommodate variations in perovskite thickness.
- Demonstrate scalability of printing process on large R2R format.
- Transfer knowledge to PRL and assist in purchase of equipment suitable for PRL scale up.
This project will be largely based at Swansea University, but there will be occasions where short periods of time will be spent at the sponsoring company.
COATED M2A recognises applicants have a variety of backgrounds with different educational and research experiences. We do not expect applicants to be proficient users of any techniques /equipment mentioned, at the time of application. Our focus is to upskill our participants and training will be provided.
COATED M2A in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is a Swansea University initiative which provides postgraduate research training in partnership with industry, providing access to world class laboratories and a wealth of academic and industry expertise. COATED M2A is committed to providing top quality research opportunities within an inclusive environment, funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Swansea University and Industry partners.
Interwoven through the research study are business, technical and entrepreneurial courses, designed to support and prepare participants for a senior role in industry or academia, on completion of their studies.
The Athena SWAN charter recognises work undertaken by institutions to advance gender equality. The College of Engineering is an Athena SWAN bronze award holder and is committed to addressing unequal gender representation. Applications from women and other under-represented groups are particularly welcomed. All applications will be anonymised prior to short listing.
Are you considering making an application and have questions you’d like answered? Come and have a 1-2-1 chat with us at our applicant surgeries (Link) . We encourage all applicants to review our hints and tips document found here.
Sponsoring Company: Power Roll Ltd.
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold a minimum undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University), or a combination of degree and equivalent experience to the same level.
Normally, we would expect candidates to have met the University’s English Language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component) by point of application.
Full eligibility can be found at https://www.materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility
Funding
Fees at UK rate and Stipend £20,000.00, both for the period of four years.
For full details on funding eligibility, please refer to the Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A) Website. Student Eligibility | M2A (materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility).
Candidates must have the legal right to live/work in the UK at the start of their studies (student visas do not apply)
Closing Date: 22nd April 2022
Start Date: 1st October 2022
Applications and informal enquiries about this studentship should be directed by email to: