Research Overview
Sustainable Engineering
Nanomaterials, Perovskites, Spectroscopy, Photovoltaics

He has a strong interest in renewable energy and extensive experience synthesising functional nanomaterials and fabricating third-generation photovoltaics.

His research at Imperial will continue to investigate the fundamental roles that nanomaterials play in perovskite solar cells, particularly in understanding their stability limitations under stress and probing their charge transfer dynamics. His current project investigates a variety of perovskite absorber layers with an emphasis on understanding their surface chemistry as well as the interfacial interaction between neighbouring semiconductors and the counter electrode. In particular, Tom is investigating novel experimental techniques that will facilitate the measurement of charge carrier dynamics at both the surface of the materials, as well as at the interface, providing new design rules to guide the development of stable and efficient photovoltaics. He has recognised expertise in the synthesis and characterisation of nanocrystals (chalcogenides, phosphides and perovskites), nanoparticles (metals and their compounds), and nanofibers (metal oxides and carbon materials). Thus far, his research has worked towards the manipulation of nanomaterials to benefit the stability and performance of dye-sensitised and perovskite solar cells.