Nanoscale Surface Chemistry for Next-Generation Energy Conversion Technologies

Surface chemistry plays a crucial role in solar technologies as it often dictates the optical and electronic properties of semiconductor materials and device interfaces. Here, I will discuss my work on the discovery of non-invasive ligands using surface-sensitive spectroscopy that stabilizes interfaces of perovskite solar cells at high operating temperatures. I will then describe the design of conformal self-assembled monolayers, aided by surface chemistry and molecular dynamics simulations, leading to low-loss hole-selective contacts for record solar cell performance. Finally, I will outline physical chemistry insights and pathways to overcome challenges in emerging photovoltaics and potential technological advances in optoelectronics.