Thursday, January 15, 2026
6:30-8:30 PM

In collaboration with ASM Central Mass Chapter ~ 
"The Next Perovskite Semiconductors:
​Finding Stable, High Efficiency, Wide Bandgap Materials for Solar Cells"
​
Prof. Rebecca Belisle
Department of Physics, Wellesley College

Office of Exponent, Inc
1075 Worcester St, Natick, MA
Agenda
6:30 pm: Dinner Served + Registration (pay via cash or check) 
7:00 pm: Technical Talk feat. Prof. Belisle
7:30 pm: Q&A and Socializing
8:30 pm: Adjourn
Abstract
The world needs more renewable energy, and in the Belisle Lab we’re focused on developing new materials to make that happen. In this talk I’ll share our work characterizing and developing lead halide perovskites: game-changing solar energy materials in the development of low-cost, high-performance, and rapidly-manufactured solar cells. Our work focuses on the development of the wide-bandgap perovskites needed for high-efficiency multijunction solar cells. Stability remains a key concern for these materials. While perovskites are extremely defect-tolerant, a key to their success as solution processed semiconductors, the presence of ionic defects that can readily move through the lattice at room temperature have been attributed to both reversible changes in behavior (i.e. current-voltage hysteresis), and irreversible device degradation (i.e. electrode corrosion). To add to this complexity, excited-state carriers have been observed to change the number of and nature of defects in materials, exacerbating instabilities under illumination and bias. To develop stable photovoltaics requires understanding and controlling these effects. In this talk, I’ll share our work using in situ structural and property characterization to understand these fundamental instabilities in current wide bandgap perovskites. Additionally, I’ll share our efforts using Bayesian optimization to find new materials that overcome these limitations, accelerating the development of perovskite multijunction solar cells.
Featured Speaker Bio: Prof. Rebecca Belisle
Rebecca Belisle is the Knafel Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences and an Assistant Professor of Physics at Wellesley College, where her research group focuses on synthesizing and characterizing new solution processed semiconductors. Trained as a materials scientist (PhD from Stanford University, MPhil from the University of Bath, and BS from Olin College), Dr. Belisle loves exploring how we can use an understanding of chemistry and structure to design materials to solve real world problems. Currently, her lab is focused on the need for new renewable energy technologies and is using in situ characterization of atomic structure and optical properties to develop wide bandgap perovskite semiconductors for tandem solar cells. Outside of the lab, Dr. Belisle is a distinguished teacher with a passion for undergraduate education, having developed student-centered and active curriculum in the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
Getting There
Free parking is available on-site at the office of Exponent, Inc. 
The office is equidistant (~3 miles) between the Natick Center and West Natick stations of the MBTA Framingham-Worcester Commuter Rail Line
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
WE WILL SEE YOU IN FEBRUARY! CLICK "2025-2026 PROGRAM" AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO SEE FUTURE EVENTS. 
ASM International fosters the understanding and application of metals and other engineered materials and their research, design, reliable manufacture, use, and economic and social benefits.
To join ASM International, click here.
Note - New members' first Boston Chapter Dinner Meeting is free.


Sustaining Members of the Boston Chapter

Many companies have discovered the difference that supporting the Boston chapter can make. By participating in Boston Chapter activities, their employees develop technical expertise while learning valuable leadership skills.  To find out more about what sustaining membership can do for your organization, click here.