Solar cell researcher from Côte d'Ivoire
Penda Fall a 27 year old Doctoral Researcher at the University of Luxembourg shares her experiences during the International Master’s Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen (IMP-EGH) in the interview
You graduated in October 2023 - what and for whom are you currently working?
I am currently a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Luxembourg, working in the Laboratory for Photovoltaics under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Susanne Siebentritt. My PhD research work aims to advance the understanding of the optoelectronic properties of grain boundaries in epitaxial solar cells and thin films based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 using heavy alkali post-deposition treatment. So, I am basically fabricating these types of materials in our PV labs, characterizing them and providing answers to our scientific research questions which could ultimately contribute to more efficient photovoltaic solar cells. I am also volunteering with Croix-Rouge Luxembourgeoise where I lead weekly activities for children, ranging from creative sessions like coloring, painting, and board games to interactive science workshops and environmentally themed activities.
Please describe in 5 sentences what your Master’s thesis was about.
For my Master’s thesis at Forschungszentrum Jülich, I investigated the light soaking effect on silicon carbide-based transparent passivating contact (TPC) solar cells. The goal was to mitigate passivation losses in our solar solar cells by applying light soaking as a curing method without pre-annealing treatment. As a key result, the investigation of different light soaking conditions defines the heat-assisted light soaking performed at 175 ℃ during 360s as a suitable operating condition to characterize the process on the TPC structures. The synergistic effect of heat and light was proved to be essential, leading to a notable power conversion efficiency of 23.4. This simply showed the potential of direct heat-assisted light soaking to solve open-circuit voltage losses, passivation losses and improve the overall performance of the photovoltaic device.
In your opinion, what is the most important use of green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is incredibly versatile, but in my opinion, its most important use is in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors especially transportation, which remains one of the largest contributors to global CO₂ emissions. Yes, electric vehicles are a great alternative for personal and short-distance transport, but they face significant limitations in sectors like aviation and maritime shipping. In these areas, battery weight, limited range, and long charging times make electrification less practical, and this is exactly where green hydrogen shines. Its high energy density and fast refueling capabilities make it a promising solution for decarbonizing these heavy and long-range modes of transport.
What was your most memorable experience during the “International Master Program in Energy and Green Hydrogen”?
I always enjoy looking back on the end-of-second-semester celebration at Abdou Moumouni University. It was such a festive and memorable evening, held at a city hotel with the vibrant presence of a Nigerien musical group. What stood out the most were the dancing and the bittersweet goodbye vibes, as we prepared to branch out into four different specializations across four different countries. The musical group made it even more special by giving each of the 15 West African countries its own moment on the dance floor; and with my fellow countrymates, we proudly owned ours. It was a beautiful blend of joy, culture, and unity.
What advice would you give to a future student of the Master’s program?
To all future IMP-EGH scholars, whether your ambitions lie in academia, industry, or NGOs, know that this program is a powerful steppingstone toward your goals. Stay motivated, work hard, and never underestimate the value of enjoying the journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every moment is a chance to discover your true potential. Remember: your possibilities are limitless.
Bonus question: Is there anything else you want to share (like a nice anecdote, how you overcame bad experiences, etc)
Moving to a new place is always challenging, especially when it comes with differences in culture, living conditions, and even weather. My first few months in Niamey were tough. Adapting was not easy, but I gradually found my way by connecting with local people, asking for tips on how to live well, discovering great places to relax, and trying out delicious local dishes. And believe me, despite the rough start, I sometimes find myself missing Niamey. In the end, I had an unforgettable experience there. Looking back on these 28 months of training across Ghana, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Germany, what I carry with me most is the richness of the intercultural exchange and a sense of personal growth and maturity that I never imagined at the start.
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