Thin Films of Aziridinium-Based Hybrid Perovskites:
From Fundamental Understanding Towards Optoelectronic Applications
Cologne International Forum Innovative Tandem Collaboration: September 2023 - August 2024
Dr. Olesia Kucheriv (Kyiv, Ukraine)
Partner at the University of Cologne: Dr. Selina Olthof (Chemistry)
Abstract
Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites are a type of materials that combine organic and inorganic components. Their key feature is semiconductivity which allows to use the offered materials as active layers in different device. These materials offer several advantages such as their easy processability in solution-based techniques, the capacity to change their physical properties through simple chemical modifications, and their exceptional charge-transfer properties.
An important application for these materials is their utilization in producing highly efficient solar panels. These panels effectively convert sunlight into electrical energy. Beyond this, there is ongoing exploration of their potential in crafting specialized light sensors, miniature LEDs, and even lasers.
Until recently, the synthesis of these materials was mostly performed using only two organic cations. Recently a research team from Ukraine has identified the third type of cation that allows to obtain hybrid perovskites with low band gaps. However, this new type of perovskites remains largely non-investigated.
Hence, this Tandem Collaboration aims to study these novel hybrid materials. The objective is to generate thin layers of new perovskite materials and analyse their behaviour. The primary emphasis of this project is to attain a better comprehension of these materials' functionality and their potential for enhancing photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. This project will establish lasting collaborations and facilitate joint research initiatives. Thanks to the creation of a tandem of two researchers which have complementary expertise, multiple joint investigations of new perovskite materials will become possible.
Interview with Dr. Olesia Kucheriv
»These findings are like a roadmap guiding us toward creating better electronic gadgets using our special films.«
Final Report: Thin Films of Aziridinium-Based Hybrid Perovskites
Duration: September 2023 - August 2024
Participants: Olesia Kucheriv and Selina Olthof
Key Findings and Hypotheses
From September 2023 to August 2024, Olesia Kucheriv and Selina Olthof developed a method to produce thin films of aziridinium lead halide perovskite for the first time. Perovskite films show semiconducting properties, narrow-band luminescence of high colour purity and large Stokes shift and thereby present a new series of material with significant potential for further optoelectronic applications.
Methodology
Various techniques were used to examine the surface of thin films to be produced in the laboratories in Cologne. One team from Kiev was particularly focused on the synthesis and production of new materials, while the team from Cologne specialised in physical characterisation and the production of components. The Tandem project provided a unique opportunity to establish a collaboration between two teams with complementary expertise – researchers from Kyiv specializing in synthesis and fabrication of new materials and researchers from Cologne specializing in physical characterizations and device fabrication.
Continuing Research
Thanks to the creation of a tandem of two researchers which have complementary expertise, multiple joint investigations of new perovskite materials became possible. The project served as a foundation for creating a permanent framework for cooperation and an exchange system among the participants that extends beyond the project timeline.
Dr. Olesia Kucheriv
Dr. Olesia Kucheriv is a junior research associate of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine. She has defended her PhD thesis entitled “Phase transition materials for microwave radiation switching” in 2022. The focus of her research work is target synthesis of new compounds with pre-defined properties and their application. Currently her research interests are mostly dedicated to new hybrid perovskites. In this field, the implementation of specific cations allows to modify the properties of final product.
Her expertise includes as well fabrication of nano and composite materials. One of the important characteristics which she studies in the obtained materials is the ability to undergo phase transitions which are followed by the change of selected physical properties. In this regard she has extensive experience in working with spin-crossover coordination complexes. She performed investigations of switchable materials which can be used for microwave radiation tuning, enantioselective detection, optical switching, etc. Dr. Olesia Kucheriv as well has a vast experience of international collaborations. She has been a visiting researcher in different chemical laboratories in Romania, Poland and France, which allowed her to master new experimental techniques and achieve attractive results.
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