Simon Boehme
PhD student

Email:S.C.Boehme@remove-this.tudelft.nl
Address: 
Delft University of Technology
Chemical Engineering
Julianalaan 136
2628 BL Delft
The Netherlands

T: +31 (0)15 2786722
F: +31 (0)15 2787421
Office: 0.241 

Research Interest

Quantum dot binary superlattices for photovoltaics.

The aim of my research is to optimize binary superlattices of semiconductor quantum dots (also called nanocrystals) for efficient charge generation, charge separation, transport and collection. Semiconductor quantum dots are considered promising building blocks for new solar cells concepts with an improved cost-efficicency ratio. However, poor charge transport related to the nanostructure of the dots poses a challenge to further improvement of such cell designs. The current goal is to understand and overcome transport impedances related to the nanostructure of the quantum dot assembly. In this project, binary superlattices will be investigated in which efficient charge separation renders possible due to a regular, intimate contact between 3D nanocrystals networks of two different materials. Following charge separation, “percolated” phases of both materials will aid sufficient charge transport of both electrons and holes. Among others, inter-particle spacing and electrostatic environment offer a handle to tune the coupling between dots.

A variety of techniques will be used to characterize the superlattices such as transient absorption, time-resolved and steady state photoluminescence, THz-TDS (TeraHertz - Time Domain Spectroscopy), TRMC (Time-Resolved Microwave Conductivity) and electrochemical gating. The research is performed in close collaboration with the group of Prof. dr. Daniël Vanmaekelbergh at the CMI, Utrecht University.

Biography

• 2010-present:PhD student in the Optoelectronic Materials group at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands.
• 2009-2010:    Diploma project in the Biosurface Spectroscopy group at FOM-Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 

Diploma thesis:      Charger Carrier Transport in Nanoporous Films Investigated by THz-Spectroscopy

• 2007:         Internship in the Polymer Solar Cell group at the Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland (ECN) in Petten, The Netherlands.
• 2006-2009:    Student research assistant within the group of Prof. Dr. Giso Hahn, Department of Physics at the University of Constance, Germany.
• 2004-2009:    Studies in Physics at the University of Konstanz, Germany.