Internship: Investigating Corrosion in Evaporated Metal Films for Perovskite Solar Cells

Field (chemistry, energy, materials, engineering, material science):

Halide perovskites have gained significant attention in the field of photovoltaics due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and cost-effective production. In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved efficiencies nearing those of traditional silicon cells, reaching over 25% under laboratory conditions. However, a major obstacle to their widespread commercial adoption is the limited stability of perovskite materials, especially in the presence of environmental factors like humidity, light, and temperature. In particular, the interfaces between perovskite layers and metal electrodes are prone to degradation through corrosion, which significantly reduces device performance and lifespan.

This internship project aims to address one of the critical challenges in perovskite solar cell stability: understanding the corrosion behavior of evaporated metal films used as electrodes. By characterizing these degradation processes, we aim to develop strategies to enhance the durability and reliability of perovskite solar cells.

Internship Objectives

Characterize Corrosion in Thin Films: Study the behavior of evaporated metal films, such as aluminum and copper, under conditions that mimic the operating environment of solar cells.

Identify Degradation Products: Utilize surface analysis to map corrosion products and understand how metal ions interact with the perovskite layer.

Main Missions

1. Evaporated Film Fabrication and Setup
   Prepare thin metal films using evaporation techniques and systematically expose these films to halide perovskites under controlled conditions.
2. Electrochemical and Material Analysis
   Conduct initial corrosion tests using techniques such as Open Circuit Potential (OCP) and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) to observe the corrosion initiation.
   Employ surface characterization methods (e.g., X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Raman) to identify and map corrosion products at the metal-perovskite interface.
   

Methods and Equipment

• Evaporation Systems for the controlled deposition of metal films.
• Electrochemical Measurement Tools to assess corrosion dynamics.

Surface Characterization Techniques (XPS, Raman) for in-depth analysis of corrosion patterns and material transformations.

Internship supervisor:
Ceratti Davide
e-mail address: davide.ceratti@chimieparistech.psl.eu
Phone: +33665011477