Physics Colloquium: Hot Carriers in Metal Halide Perovskites

Physics Colloquium
Hot Carriers in Metal Halide Perovskites: Transport and Thermalization

Dr. Ian Sellers
Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo

Abstract:
While the metal halide perovskites are stimulating significant interest in terms of their potential for next generation solar cells, the nature of the carrier transport and extraction in these solar cells remains under debate. Indeed, based on their soft nature and the low formation energy of both bulk and interface defects, it is frankly remarkable they work at all! In this presentation I will introduce these systems, and specifically the metal halide perovskites driving the recent PV revolution. I will discuss some of the interesting characteristics of these systems with specific reference to the research we have been performing over the last few years, focusing on the carrier collection and competing losses in solar cells, and our recent work on the hot carrier dynamics in thin films and devices.

Speaker Bio:
Ian Sellers received his bachelor’s degree from the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the University of Liverpool in 1999, a master’s degree from the Dept. of Physics at Imperial College London in 2001, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Sheffield in 2004. Between 2004 – 2006, Dr. Sellers was a Marie Curie Fellow at CRHEA-CNRS in Valbonne, France, a position that was followed by a postdoctoral position at the University at Buffalo in the United States. In 2008, Dr. Sellers joined the Solar Energy and Technology Group as a Senior Research Scientist at Sharp Laboratories of Europe in Oxford, UK where, he also held the position of Visiting Academic Fellow in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford. After spending three years in Industry, Dr. Sellers returned to the Academic environment taking a position at the University of Oklahoma in 2011 where he rose to the position Ted S. Webb Presidential Professor of Physics. In addition to his faculty position at OU, Dr. Sellers also held the position of Associate Director of the Oklahoma Photovoltaics Research Institute until his departure this Summer. In August 2023, Dr. Sellers joined the faculty in Electrical Engineering as a strategic hire in green energy at the University at Buffalo SUNY. Professor Sellers’ research is focused on the development and investigation of novel quantum-engineered material and devices for next generation photovoltaics. Specific programs involve hot carrier dynamics in III-V and perovskite systems, defect formation and stability of thin-film CIGS and perovskites solar cells, as well as their suitability for deep space power applications.

Intended Audience:
Anyone with interest in the topic. All are Welcome.

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