Lydon Kersting, 2018, Chemical and Biological Engineering

Lydon Kersting ’18

This summer I worked with a recently discovered form of solar material, perovskites. These solar cells can be fabricated more quickly, easily, and cheaply than most commercial solar products, and some have reached nearly 20% efficiency. However, perovskites are susceptible to rapid degradation, which releases lead ions. By experimenting on cells fabricated by the Lynn Loo Lab, I studied the cause and mechanism of perovskite breakdown under different conditions. After sealing both cells in their respective atmospheric chambers, I exposed them to X-rays to produce a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern. I monitored the pattern via daily scans and analyzed the data using Microsoft Excel programs. I concluded that perovskites are stable under light exposure, thus supporting their suitability for use in solar energy technologies. I was so intrigued by the results of this experiment that I am continuing this project throughout the fall 2015 semester. I plan to study the behavior of perovskites when exposed to different levels of relative humidity and oxygen, and to experiment with varying morphologies of perovskites being produced by the Loo Lab. This internship has confirmed my decision to pursue the Energy and Environmental Technology track within Chemical Engineering, and I am looking forward to a career in sustainable energy development.