POTSDAM -- Clarkson University Assistant Professor of Physics Dhara Trivedi’s research team’s recent publication was selected for the cover of the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters.

The publication explores the influence of spacer selection on 2-dimensional (2D) perovskites for their performance during solar energy harvesting processes. Using three analogues of CsPbI3 perovskite as a case study, the publication provides a detailed computational investigation elucidating the effects of spacer on the resulting geometry, electronic structure, and thermoelectric and photovoltaic properties of 2D perovskites.

This research is supported by an NSF- ERI (National Science Foundation Engineering Research Initiation) grant awarded to Dr. Trivedi. Her awarded grant, “Theory and Simulation of Photoexcitation Dynamics in 2-Dimensional Materials for Solar Energy Harvesting” aims to investigate two-dimensional materials for use in solar energy harvesting devices, and also provide insights to help improve their efficiency.

“The project integrates the knowledge of material science, engineering, and computational physical chemistry. It will provide essential insights for optimal use of these planar materials in devices for solar energy harvesting, sensing, imaging and other advanced technologies,” Trivedi said.

Robert Stanton, a graduate researcher in the Trivedi team has made a significant contribution in the publication. He is supported by the NSF grant.. “Such recognition gives students and the research team visibility to the community. It also gives them much-needed motivation to pursue research,” Trivedi said of her team’s accomplishment.