Khari M. Fletcher

(Advisor: Prof. Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena)

will propose a doctoral thesis entitled,

Processing–Chemistry–Structure–Property Relationships at Metal–Halide Perovskite

Interfaces for Lightweight Photovoltaics

Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Manufacturing Related Disciplines Complex (MRDC) Room 4211

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells combine high efficiency with the potential for low-cost fabrication. Reducing

their weight could make them easier to transport and deploy while lowering demands on

supporting structures. Conventional devices, however, are typically built on heavy, fragile glass.

Lightweight, conductive substrates offer a promising alternative, but their integration introduces

new interfaces that can limit charge collection, device performance, and stability. This thesis

investigates how processing and interfacial chemistry influence these properties.

The first research thrust examines perovskite solar cells fabricated on alternative substrates.

Electrical measurements reveal limitations in charge collection associated with the substrate–

device interface. Surface characterization provides insight into the chemical and electronic

properties responsible for these limitations. Introducing an interfacial modification improves

charge collection, demonstrating the importance of controlling surface properties when integrating

lightweight substrates.

The second research thrust explores surface treatments designed to improve electrical contact and

simplify device fabrication. Complementary characterization techniques will investigate how these

treatments affect interfacial composition, bonding, structure, morphology, and electronic

properties. Device measurements will establish how these changes influence charge collection and

overall solar cell performance.

Committee Members:

Prof. Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena (Advisor) – School of Materials Science and Engineering

Prof. Ajeet Rohatgi – School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Dr. Tod A. Grusenmeyer – Air Force Research Laboratory

Prof. Anju Toor – School of Materials Science and Engineering

Prof. Shucong Li – School of Materials Science and Engineering