Postgraduate Research Studentship in Surface Engineering
Novel Solar Power Generating Diodes
Manchester Metropolitan University – Dalton Research Institute
The Dalton Research Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications for the fully funded Industrial CASE PhD studentship described below. Applicants should have, or would be expected to gain, a first or upper second-class degree or MSc in a materials, physics, engineering or chemistry – related subject. The studentship is for three and a half years (42 months) full-time and is only available to Home and EU candidates*Novel Solar Power Generating Diodes
This is a collaborative project between MMU and Teckhne Ltd. Teckhne are developing a new range of photovoltaic power generating devices, which are robust, low cost, efficient and suitable for large surface areas. The devices are based on combinations of semi-conductive transparent transition metal oxide coatings, which can be deposited onto common construction materials by flame spraying and magnetron sputtering techniques. It has been shown these devices will:-
- be between 10 and 20 times cheaper than conventional silicon based devices;
- have equivalent or better efficiencies;
- be applicable to a variety of substrate materials such as roof tiles, concrete, glass, etc – i.e. materials used in conventional buildings;
- be able to make much larger diodes than conventional silicon diodes;
- be more robust, able to withstand atmospheric corrosion, etc.
The aim of this project is to deposit a range of coatings and characterise them in terms of their optical and electrical properties and their durability. Multi-layer structures will be built up and the efficiency of charge generation will be assessed. Ultimately, photovoltaic devices will be produced and tested.
The experimental programmes will take place in the Surface Engineering Laboratory at MMU under the supervision of Prof Peter Kelly, and as part of the research programme the student will also spend time at Teckhne’s facilities in Dorset and Warrington.
This studentship attracts an initial annual stipend of £13,570.
Closing date for applications: 23rd July 2010
Start Date: 1st October 2010
For further details contact Prof Kelly. To apply, please send an application form (http://www.red.mmu.ac.uk/?pageparent=4&page_id=94 ) and full CV, together with the names of two referees to:
Prof Peter Kelly, Dalton Research Institute, John Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD
Phone: 0161 247 4643
Email: peter.kelly@mmu.ac.uk
*for guidance on eligibility see: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/students/Pages/eligibility.aspx
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