I’m interested in understanding the mechanisms responsible for efficient energy materials. One of my current projects is characterizing the organic/inorganic (“hybrid”) perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3. This material is fascinating to study because, despite the fact that is shows great promise as a highly efficient photovoltaic material, the electronic mechanisms behind its high efficiency are still poorly understood. The scattering mechanisms behind long carrier lifetimes are still under debate. Extremely high resistance, proximity to a ferroelectric phase, and hysteresis in the IV curve make this material difficult to measure, and challenge us to reconsider the meaning behind supposedly simple electrical measurements. Fully understanding the mechanisms that define the behavior of this and similar materials will help in designing the next generation of highly efficient materials.
Advisor: Jiun-Haw Chu – Physics