Outline

Recent advances in energy harvesting using photovoltaic and triboelectric effects demonstrate outstanding performances of energy harvesters as power supplies. However, there are still fundamental issues that need to be dealt with, such as power interruption due to intermittence of environmental energy and long-term device stability in air. In this project, we will develop a hybrid energy harvester (HEH) that is composed of quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The HEH demonstrates dual-mode as well as simultaneous energy harvesting of both types of energy. Attributed to high photocurrent and high potential from QDSCs and the TENG, an immediate base power followed by steady enhancement in power generation can be achieved in this hybrid system. The HEH is expected to provide a stable power supply to accomplish a sustainable sensor system without the aid of an external power supply.

What is funded

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

Duration

4 years Full Time.

Eligibility

Candidates should hold a good bachelor’s degree (first or upper second-class honours degree) or a MSc degree in Physics or a related subject.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

How to Apply

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:

• an upload of your CV

• a personal statement/covering letter

• two references

• Current academic transcripts

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy, with a start date of October 2020

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select the ’self -funding’ option.