INTERNSHIP – IPVF – Fabrication of perovskite solar cell architectures, advanced nanoscale characterization and modeling to study interfaces

Function:
Internal

contract:
Internship agreement

Starting date:
As of Spring 20206

Duration:
6 months

Workplace:
IPVF – 18 bd Thomas Gobert, 91120 Palaiseau (France)

Education:
M2, Engineering school in physics or material science

Ref .:
PR-CM-2-ST

IPVF – Photovoltaic Institute of Île-de-France

IPVF is a
scientific and technical pole dedicated to the research and development of solar technologies
. It permanently hosts its own staff, as well as the employees of its partners and external companies. IPVF
aims to become one of the world's leading centers for research, innovation, and training in the field of energy transition
.

IPVF Primary Objective Is To Improve The Performance And Competitiveness Of Photovoltaic Cells And Develop Breakthrough Technologies By Relying On Four Levers

• Ambitious research program.
• The hosting of more than 200 researchers and their laboratories on its Paris-Saclay site.
• A state-of-the-art technology platform (8,000 m²) open to the photovoltaic industry actors, with more than 100 state-of-the-art equipment units located in clean rooms.
• A training program mainly based on a master's degree, the supervision of PhD students, and continuing education.

Brief History
The IPVF was founded in 2013 on the initiative of the French government, EDF, TotalEnergies, Air Liquide, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Horiba and Riber. Bringing together more than 150 researchers, our 8,000 square meter Paris-Saclay platform is a unique platform for all types of deeptech research and innovation.

The IPVF Aims To Remain

• A world leader in photovoltaic-related R&D. By federating the best French teams in the field of research, innovation and industrial production, in partnership with major international institutes, particularly in Europe,
• A leader in the development of photovoltaic technology bricks in line with market trends,
• A reference in sending the most promising R&D concepts to the industry.

INTERNSHIP CONTEXT

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells have emerged as a novel class of photovoltaic devices that enables us to surpass the Shockley Queisser single-junction efficiency limit. However, understanding the mechanisms governing charge extraction and selectivity at contact interfaces remains one of the most fundamental challenges for advancing perovskite solar cell (PSC) technologies. While halide perovskites have demonstrated outstanding optoelectronic properties, their integration into stable and efficient devices depends critically on the choice and optimization of contact layers. The subtle interplay between ionic mobility, defect states, and dipolar effects at the perovskite/contact interface determines the overall charge selectivity and strongly impacts the open-circuit voltage and long-term reliability of PSCs.

To Gain Deeper Insight Into These Interfacial Phenomena, We Propose To Move Beyond The Conventional Vertical Device Geometry And Employ Lateral Heterojunction (LHJ) Architectures Based On Perovskite Thin Films With Spatially Separated Contact Materials. In This Geometry, The Perovskite Is Deposited Directly On Top Of a Coplanar Configuration Of Different Contact Layers, Forming a Junction That Allows The Local Probing Of The Potential Landscape Without The Convolution Of Vertical Transport And Layer Stacking Effects. Such An Approach Provides a Powerful Proxy To Model And Predict Contact Selectivity And Charge Extraction Behavior In The Standard Vertical Device Configuration. To Achieve These Goals, We Will Deploy An Advanced Multimodal Advanced Characterization Approach Coupled To a Dedicated Modeling Effort. Modeling Helps To

– better understand the impact of various physical parameters on cell performance,

– develop and optimize various types of cells without having to systematically use experimental processes that might be costly

– evaluate the potential of new structures and their maximum theoretical efficiency

Fabrication, characterization and modeling at IPVF and Geeps partner lab:
The project will take place in the context of Joint Research Program of IPVF, a key actor in research and industrialization of PV in France. The project will be in the ICARE (Improving CharActerization and REliability) thematic of Assessment activities at IPVF. More specifically, the intern will join IPVF team of characterization and modeling, a dynamic and multidisciplinary team of IPVF, and have academic supervision as well. A part of the activities in IPVF, and part at GeePs, as a partner lab nearby.

MAIN MISSIONS

Considering the above-mentioned context, the main missions of this project will be to:

• Development and optimization of the lateral heterojunction (LHJ) samples.

We have recently developed a specific device architecture which enables to better study the interplay of interfaces between absorber (perovskite) and transport layers (ETL/HTL). The next step is to optimize the device architecture and better apprehend the different nanofabrication steps in order to deliver high-quality lateral heterojunction devices. Then, lateral heterostructure samples combining state-of-the-art electron- and hole-selective contact materials on benchmark perovskite absorbers will be fabricated.

• Characterize the LHJ devices using advanced characterization tools.

Advanced nanoscale characterization will be performed on the developed LHJ samples in order to finely study the (electronic) behavior of perovskite-based devices.

• Develop numerical modeling of the device.

The model will be employed to unravel and analyze the data obtained and establish a predictive framework for contact layer optimization in perovskite-based tandem architectures. The results will provide valuable insights into the electronic selectivity mechanisms that govern the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells and pave the way for their reliable integration into future multijunction photovoltaic modules.

PROFILE

Skills
– Physics or material science

– General knowledge of semiconductor physics.

– Knowledge of solar cells physics is a plus

– Prior experience in modeling is a plus / code or script development.

– Demonstrated experience in thin-film photovoltaics device fabrication and characterization is an asset.

Know-how

– Curious, enterprising, and creative.

– Excellent communication (written and oral) skills.

– Collaboration with cross-functional and diverse teams

CONTACT US

CV and cover letter (with reference PR-CM-2-ST) to be sent to:

jean-

jean-