Materials and Science Engineering: Fully Funded EPSRC DTP PhD in Scaling up Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing for Africa

Working as part of Swansea University’s UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies and the REACH-PSM project (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing), this PhD offers an exceptional PhD opportunity to undertake innovative research in scaling up perovskite solar module (PSM) production.

This project focuses on addressing the pressing need for scalable, low-cost, and sustainable solar energy solutions for the continent of Africa, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques to build a resilient energy future. The UNESCO Chair and REACH-PSM partnership aim to revolutionise renewable energy systems by integrating local innovation, resources, and expertise to foster true energy independence.

This PhD project will place you at the forefront of developing scalable approaches to perovskite solar module (PSM) manufacturing, with a focus on refining and optimising processes for large-scale adoption. Your research will involve refining screen-printing processes to enable high-throughput production, ensuring deposition consistency and defect-free coatings, such as pinhole-free layers. You will establish protocols to standardise the fabrication process, enabling reproducible and efficient production suitable for both local and international markets. 

In addition, your work will include trialling green solvents to minimise environmental impacts and enhance the sustainability of manufacturing processes, as well as optimising interconnection techniques to improve module performance and scalability. Collaboration with the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) will be integral, as you work to establish a robust manufacturing pathway that leverages local expertise and infrastructure for PSM fabrication. 

The ultimate goal is to develop a scalable, cost-effective manufacturing approach tailored to the African context, producing high-quality modules that meet local energy demands while enabling participation in international renewable energy markets. 

This PhD offers the chance to work on real-world applications with direct societal impact. You will be based at Swansea University’s Bay Campus, benefiting from cutting-edge facilities, and working under the guidance of leading experts, including Prof. Trystan Watson and Dr Sarah Jane-Potts.

You will join a well-resourced, internationally renowned, and growing team that brings together expertise from diverse disciplines to address global challenges in renewable energy. Working closely with a global network of UNESCO Chair partners and REACH-PSM collaborators, you will be part of a vibrant and supportive research environment that values teamwork and innovation. 

If you are motivated to contribute to scalable renewable energy solutions and be part of an international collaboration that addresses global energy challenges, this PhD position offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Scholarship open to UK and international fee-eligible applicants. 

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.    

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.  

International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rates. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

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