Dr. Letian Dou, the Charles Davidson Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University, is Principal Investigator of a research group that will receive funding from the National Science Foundation to study the electronic properties of perovskites. 

The study, Understanding and Quantifying Ion Migration and Diffusion in Two-Dimensional Halide Perovskite Heterostructures, will receive more than $500,000 over the next five years. The award is part of the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER).

Solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LED) could potentially use halide perovskites as the light absorber and emitter, respectively, if the perovskites were more stable in devices with short lifetimes. One of the key problems limiting the stability is that ions in halide perovskites are highly mobile, which causes quick materials and devices degradation. Dou and his team will develop novel structures from two-dimensional perovskites and quantify how ions diffuse and migrate under heat, light, and electrical bias.

“This is a very exciting project. Through this project, we will elucidate the ionic diffusion and migration mechanisms in 2D halide perovskite heterostructures; identify the most promising materials stabilization strategies; and finally demonstrate high efficiency LED devices with enhanced stability.I believe this project will provide valuable knowledge to the field.” Dou said, Furthermore, we will disseminate basic materials science and semiconductor knowledge to a broader range of audience and educate next-generation young scientists and engineers.”

The NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Activities pursued by early-career faculty should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. Learn more about the NSF CAREER program.

Dr. Letian Dou joined Purdue Chemical Engineering in 2017. His research group focuses on the synthesis of hybrid materials, organic semiconductors, halide perovskites, and related optoelectronic properties and their device applications. He is also a pioneer in polymer single crystal chemistry and materials. 

Learn more about Dr. Letian Dou, the Charles Davidson Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University: https://engineering.purdue.edu/ChE/people/ptProfile?resource_id=169342