Ian Wark Research Institute
ARC Special Research Centre
ARC Special Research Centre
Research Area: Physical chemistry, spectroscopy,
electrochemistry, materials science, surface chemistry
Supervisor: Prof
Thomas Nann
Description: Charge-transfer processes are an essential part of
many applications in the field of energy conversion. For example in
natural photosynthesis or a dye sensitised solar cell, a cascade of
redox mediators is employed to separate and transfer charges for
conversion of solar into chemical or electrical energy [1]. It is
imperative to understand the underlying charge-transfer processes and
their limitations in order to find new strategies for energy conversion
and to optimise existing systems. This involves a combination of
electrochemical charge-transfers [2] and photo-excitation dynamics [3].
This project aims to develop models for the flux of (photo-initiated)
charges in complex nanosystems, such as Quantum Dot-based solar devices
and similar. The models will be tested by implementing them in a digital
simulation environment (the programming language "C" will be used).
Then, they will be tested by comparison with experimental spectro-electrochemical
data, and improved as required. The ultimate goal of the project and of
the research team is to find new concepts for solar energy conversion -
especially artificial photosynthesis systems [4].
The successful candidate does not necessarily require a background in
chemistry. Engineering or physics students with an interest in
interdisciplinary work are encouraged to apply. The work programme is
purely theoretical but applicants with an interest in electrochemical
and spectroscopic methods will have the opportunity to receive training
in electrochemical and spectroscopic analysis methods to complement
their experimental work. Knowledge of "C" is not a pre-requisite but
does help.
Methods:
- Mathematical modelling of photo-initiated charge flux.
- Programming of the mathematical models.
- Electrochemical analysis (optional).
- Spectro-electrochemical analysis (optional).
References
[1] Kamat, P.V. Quantum Dot Solar Cells. Semiconductor Nanocrystals as
Light Harvesters. J. Phys. Chem. C 112, 18737-18753 (2008).
[2] Nann, T. & Heinze, J. Simulation in electrochemistry using the
finite element method Part 1. The algorithm. Elctrochem. Commun. 1,
289-294 (1999).
[3] Jones, M. & Scholes, G.D. On the use of time-resolved
photoluminescence as a probe of nanocrystal photoexcitation dynamics. J.
Mater. Chem. 20, 3533-3538 (2010).
[4] Gust, D., Moore, T.A. & Moore, A.L. Solar Fuels via Artificial
Photosynthesis. Acc. Chem. Res. 42, 1890-1898 (2009).
Funding: All students should apply for an IWRI fully-funded
scholarship.
International students should also apply for an International
Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) and a UniSA President's
Scholarship (UPS). To be eligible for UPS, applicants must have a
supervisor willing to nominate them for consideration.
Australian students should also apply for an Australian Postgraduate
Award (APA) and a UniSA Australian Postgraduate Research Award (USAAPRA).
