IRES: US - Germany: Perovskites - A Solution to Global Energy Conversion Needs

Photovoltaics (PVs) are critical to global climate change mitigation efforts.

Robust, reliable, and efficient PV devices have the potential to be transformational for many communities and industries, including healthcare, remote sensing of environmental quality, energy, and security systems. This IRES program will have significant impact on multiple areas, primarily via the energy sector.

The program will network students from across Research 1, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Minority Serving Institutions and Primarily Undergraduate Institutions, with the aim of diversifying this field and science more broadly.

Development of more robust and more affordable PV devices could address global energy access and justice needs, expanding clean energy options and driving the transition away from fossil fuels.

The benefits of an international research experience for students are extensive and provide a wonderful mechanism and opportunity to develop new skills in collaboration, communication, and team science expanding the way they think and approach multidisciplinary challenges.

Graduates from this program will distinguish themselves through their breadth of knowledge, international and cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills, and a curiosity to learn from multiple perspectives.

While the worldwide PV market continues to grow by ~25% annually, there are significant limitations that need to be addressed in this decade for PV to have increasing impact as a renewable energy source.

From a technological perspective due to fundamental physical limitations of silicon, power conversion efficiencies of commercial solar cells will peak at