Personal profile
Research interests
My research interests are centred around materials used for renewable energy generation (e.g. solar cells) and storage (e.g. reusable batteries). I use atomistic simulations techniques to predict the properties of materials and link the macroscopic observables (such as open circuit voltage or thermodynamic stability) with microscopic processes (such as electron capture or electron-phonon coupling). Our atomic scale models can be used to rationalise existing experimental observations, or guide future investigations. For example, it can explain why heat travels slowly through some materials or predict new materials for high-performance solar cells.
I use a range of simulation techniques including Density Functional Theory, Lattice Dynamics, Molecular Dynamics and Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials. I have a particular interest in structural phase transitions, thermodynamics and defect physics. My research has mostly focused on halide and chalcogenide perovskite materials.
I am interested in how we can improve research practice in the computational sciences, with a particular interest in how we can work in an open and interdisciplinary way, and how we can best share and publish research software. I am a fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute, an Associate Editor at the Journal of Open Source Software, Theme Lead in the Materials Chemistry Consortium and a co-lead in Sonic Intangibles.
Many people, particularly those from under-represented groups in STEM, feel uncomfortable in the computational physics community. It doesn't have to be this way. My small contribution towards progress on this front is as co-organiser for the Rising Stars workshops.
Biography
My research uses solid state physics, quantum chemistry and high-perforance computing to investigate why particular materials can efficiently generate energy from sunlight (solar cells), or repeatedly store and release energy (rechargeable batteries). I am an Associate Professor at Northumbria University and a Fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute. I was previously a PhD student and post-doc in the Materials Design Group at Imperial College London, where I was awarded the Thomas Young Centre at Imperial award for my thesis "Defects and distortions in hybrid halide perovskites".
I received my FHEA in 2021 and currently teach computational physics, introductory quantum mechanics and research computing skills at UG and PG level. I am a qualified teacher in post-compulsory education (PGCE, 2012) and previously taught mathematics in schools and prisons.
Links:
- For up-to-date information about my research, talks etc please visit my website.
- To see my contributions to open software please visit my github page.
Education/Academic qualification
Materials Science, PhD, Defects and Distortions in Hybrid Halide Perovskites, Imperial College London
1 Oct 2015 → 30 Sept 2019
Award Date: 1 Jan 2020
Teacher Training, PGCE, Birmingham City University
1 Oct 2011 → 1 Jul 2012
Award Date: 1 Jul 2012
Theoretical Physics, MSci / Magnetoresistance in a quasi two-dimensional metal, University of Birmingham
1 Oct 2007 → 1 Jul 2011
Award Date: 19 Jul 2011
External positions
Software Sustainability Institute
1 Mar 2019 → …
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Diverse Polymorphism in Ruddlesden-Popper Chalcogenides
Kayastha, P., Fransson, E., Erhart, P. & Whalley, L., 23 Feb 2026, In: Physical Review Letters. 136, 8, 086101 .Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
Octahedral tilt-driven phase transitions in BaZrS3 chalcogenide perovskite
Kayastha, P., Fransson, E., Erhart, P. & Whalley, L., 27 Feb 2025, In: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. 16, 8, p. 2064–2071 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review
Open AccessFile17 Citations (Scopus)68 Downloads (Pure) -
Thermodynamic insights into the Ba–S system for the formation of BaZrS3 perovskites and other Ba sulfides
Comparotto, C., Whalley, L., Sopiha, K., Frost, R. J. W., Kubart, T. & Scragg, J. J. S., 14 Apr 2025, In: Journal of Materials Chemistry A. 13, 14, p. 9983-9991 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile7 Citations (Scopus)17 Downloads (Pure) -
A First-Principles Thermodynamic Model for the Ba–Zr–S System in Equilibrium with Sulfur Vapor
Whalley, L., Kayastha, P. & Longo, G., 23 Dec 2024, In: ACS Applied Energy Materials. 7, 24, p. 11326-11333 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile15 Citations (Scopus)52 Downloads (Pure) -
Celebrating and supporting early career researchers within underrepresented groups in materials science
Ramadan, A. J., Whalley, L., Coke, M., Liu, Y. & Lok Kwan Li, N., 1 Dec 2024, In: Nature Communications. 15, 1, p. 1-4 4 p., 4030.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)12 Downloads (Pure)