Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100620 [ 2017 - 2023 ]

Research Grant

Researchers Dr Brett Hallam

Brief description This project aims to understand hydrogen passivation mechanisms in silicon solar cells. Most silicon solar cells use low-quality wafers with defects that can reduce performance by >10%. Commercial devices use hydrogen to passivate defects and improve performance. Despite decades of research, these passivation mechanisms are controversial and industrial methods are ineffective. This project will investigate hydrogen charge-state control and transient hydrogenation processes, and correlate reaction rates and material properties. This should improve the understanding of hydrogen passivation mechanisms and lead to more effective hydrogenation processes that potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of sustainable electricity.

Funding Amount $390,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Early Career Researcher Award