Researcher Highlight – Christian Kupfer from Project E

This time in our Researcher Highlight Series we are introducing Christian Kupfer who is working in Project E – Lead-Free Perovskite Semiconductors with Tunable Bandgap for Energy Conversion

 How did you become a part of the IRTG program?

I initially applied for a PhD position at the Institute Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), where I was made aware of the possibility to conduct my research in the scope of the IRTG. Upon looking further into the programme, the opportunity to work with and visit our Japanese colleagues convinced me to apply for, and ultimately join, the IRTG.

 Why did you decide to continue your studies in a PhD?

After obtaining my master’s degree in physics I wanted to continue pursuing a research career because I enjoy the different kinds of challenges that arise in science. I chose photovoltaics as a field of research because I believe that the transition from fossil to renewable energy is one of the most important challenges of our time. By pursuing a PhD I am able to contribute something while learning interesting and new things at the same time.

 Tell us a little about your current research for the IRTG. What impact can your research area have on everyday life?

I am working on photovoltaic materials from the perovskite family, a material class whose popularity skyrocketed over the last decade. In particular, I’m looking into lead-free alternatives to the currently best-performing perovskite for photovoltaic applications, MAPbI3, such as Cs2TiBr6 or Cs2AgBiBr6. Additionally, I’m investigating methods for characterizing novel material candidates for example via microwave photoconductivity measurements, a technique that can probe the fundamental behaviour of charge carriers inside the perovskite.

Perovskites have the potential to replace or augment traditional silicon in solar cells, providing affordable energy on a large scale and thus can help to control global warming which is to a huge part caused by fossil fuels.

 What are your plans/goals after graduation?

I don’t really have any concrete plans yet. I want to see what opportunities arise for me once I finish my PhD, maybe I’ll apply for a PostDoc position somewhere.