We study new and emerging semiconductors, to understand their physics and chemistry and incorporate them in next generation technologies which will help tackle climate change.
From solar energy generation (photovoltaics) to reduced energy consumption (light emitting diodes) our research group believes that semiconductors can help us to fight climate change and build a more equitable future for all.
News
New paper from Grace
Very excited to share news of Grace’s new paper published in Molecules.
This work is a collaboration with Diego Florio, Chiara Botta, and Tersilla Virgili from Politecnico di Milano.
Can two thin films with the same nominal composition behave differently when they interact with light? In our latest work, we show that the formation of layered perovskite films directly controls how carriers move within it. By comparing conventional polycrystalline films with those prepared from dissolved single-crystals, we uncovered a unique energy-transfer process hidden within the same nominal n = 2 composition. In single-crystal-derived films, the primary two-layer (n = 2) structure acts as an energy donor, simultaneously channelling light energy into two distinct thicker layer types (n = 3 and n = 4). This dual energy pipeline is missing in conventional films, revealing that precursor processing gives us a direct strategy to guide energy flow for future solar cells and LEDs.
Alex returns from Amazing trip to UFMG and Rio de Janeiro
In July Alex, Robbie Oliver (Sheffield) and Paloma L Dos Santos (Sheffield) visited Paloma’s home town of Belo Horizonte in Brazil to meet with Ariete Righi’s group and collaborators from UMFG.
Our trip to UMFG was filled with great science chats, good food and an amazing day trip to Inhotim (an outdoor art museum/incredible garden experience).
After 4 days in Belo Horizonte we went to Rio and had more great science chats. Alex’s PhD supervisor Sandrine Heutz was in Rio for ICSEM so we were lucky enough to have lunch on the beach with her. Truly an incredible trip and we can’t wait to host Ariete and Luiz here in Sheffield in December!
Rehmat presents at AFM/SPM 2026
Rehmat gave a great presentation at AFM/SPM in Leeds in June showing her work using KPFM to investigate passivation of perovskites. She had lots of great chats with other attendees and there were many exciting talks given by researchers in the AFM field. Well done Rehmat!
Charlie presents at two Sheffield Events
In June 2026 Charlie presented his research at two University of Sheffield events; the Annual CMBE Conference, and the Engineering Research Symposium. Coming towards the end of his second year with us, Charlie’s research on novel passivation techniques of wide-bandgap perovskites is beginning to take shape, with lots to share with the wider engineering community. We’re in the final stages of writing the paper on his work and we’re excited to share it with the wider community.
NESG at PVSAT26
This April, Alex, Grace and Avan made a trip to attend the 20th annual Photovoltaics Science, Applications and Technology (PVSAT) conference in Newcastle.
As always it was a great selection of talks covering all aspects of PV from across the UK. Alex gave a talk and presented Sophie’s recent work investigating heterogeneity in quasi-2D perovskite photovoltaics, and for Avan, this was her first conference as part of the NESG. It was the perfect occasion to show her the ropes and introduce her to our friends in the PV research field.
NESG at MATSUS Spring 26
Sophie, Rehmat, Charlie and Grace all attended MATSUS Spring in Barcelona this March.
Sophie, Rehmat and Charlie all had talks and did a great job sharing their research.
The team had a great time listening to the other talks and enjoying all the delicious ice cream and tapas Barcelona had to offer.