Doctoral contract focused on the training of life cycle sustainability assessment of new materials and processes developed in the Q-Solutions project.
Q-Solutions proposes a multidisciplinary and multilevel study of low dimensional quantum materials from their fundamental properties, to the final optoelectronic device optimization, considering also the synthesis, the surface functionalization, the systematic characterization, the synergies with other materials, the development of industrial friendly deposition techniques and the life cycle sustainability assessment of the different devices, including cost, social and environmental impact and recyclability facing to the sustainability of the final device and system. The project is focused mostly in halide perovskite nanocrystals due to the relatively easy synthesis, the versatility of this family of materials, making it possible to tune the band gap in near IR, visible and UV, and their very high PLQY. However, other families of quantum dots (QDs) as chalcogenides or IV-VI semiconductor will be also investigated locking for synergies in combination with halide perovskites,
Q-Solutions is applied to the fabrication of solar cells (e.g. agrivoltaics), LEDs and photocatalytic systems (e.g. decontamination and solar fuel production.). Final devices and application will be analyzed by life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) looking for reducing environmental impacts and production cost.
The PhD student will develop analysis work on life cycle sustainability assessment of the new materials and process developed in Q-Solutions. This work will allow the PhD student to defend a Doctoral Thesis at the end of her/his contract. Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) or other environmental assessment methodologies applied to materials and industrial processes will be important.
This research aims to review and update the toxicity characterization factors for the metals used in the absorber layer of perovskites to be included in the LCA. Furthermore, the toxicity of perovskite degradation products, which can appear in the case of leachate in the use phase or disposal at end-of-life, will be evaluated.
Another important point is the appropriate supply of the raw materials for PSCs, in this case with focus on the metals of the PSC’s absorber layer. With this in mind, this research will cover the supply risk, abiotic depletion, and circularity, focusing on the recycled content of the analysed metals.
Duration: up to 3 years (Renewable, subject to funding availability)
Working hours: 37,5
Expected starting date: Immediately
Hours of work: Full time position
Interview: Date to be confirmed
Information enquiries to: Rosario Vidal (vidal@uji.es) including as a subject of your E-mail “Predoctoral LCA Q-SOLUTIONS job offer”
The successful completion of the project should lead to the defense of a highly interdisciplinary PhD Thesis under the direct supervision of Prof. Rosario Vidal (Green Investigation and Development group, GID) and Prof. Iván Mora Seró (Advanced Semiconductors Group).
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