Nanocomposites comprising perovskites for photovoltaics, photo-catalysis and sensing - DOK
Principal investigator
Project will be continuation of research conducted in the previous period, devoted to exploring possibility of tailoring thin film properties by structural and compositional modification, for use in photosensitive devices. The nano-sized structures and nanocomposites with specific shape as nanotubes, nanorods and thin layers will be investigated. For additional adjustment of properties, the surface chemistry and structure will be modified by electrochemical etching, decoration with nanoparticles andtreatment in reactive gases.The achievement of preferred properties targeting for the photovoltaic, sensing and photo-catalytic application will be supported by prediction of theoretical study, based on DFT calculation of electronic structure of individual materials and nanocomposites. The experiments on ZnO and TiO2, done in previous project, will be extended on oxide materials having perovskite structures, starting with BaTiO3 and Mn based perovskites. In further steps, the functionality of studied thin films will be tested by integration in bi-layer and multilayer structures as a part of photosensitive device. For preparation and modification of thin films, various physical and chemical methods will be used. Their structural and functional properties will be determined by using standardtechniques and correlated with parameters of formation, enabling better insight into the processes relevant for the thin film growth. The obtained experimental data, combined with theoretical predictions based on DFT calculations, will lead to better understanding of the influence of composition and nanostructure on macroscopic properties. It will enable the evaluation of possibilities of using applied approaches for improving properties of photovoltaics, photo-catalysts and sensors.The results will be published in the high ranking journals in the field of material science. Project will be partially devoted to education of the graduate and PhD students implying new careers development.