Letters / The application for chemistry of renewable energy - Motivation Letter for my Master's degree. [3]

I am writing this for the application of chemistry of renewable energy. I am not very sure about the structure, can someone give me some advice about how does it feel?

Dear Sir or Madam:
I am a senior student of Jinling Institute of Technology located in Nanjing, China, majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. In my college life, I gained all-around training from both courses and experiments. However, this kind of education mode in my home university makes me could only have a basic understanding of a variety of materials, but less likely becoming professional researcher in a specific area. After collecting lots of information, I decided to pursue my Master's degree in your university and the reasons are as follows.

To begin with, I am surprised that dye-sensitized solar cells are traditional research projects in Uppsala University which are corresponding to my current research project. I am now working on the synthesis of nano zinc oxide with larger surface area so that they could improve the absorption efficiency of dyes. The faculty of Chemistry for Renewable energy will certainly help me a lot in this area. Moreover, I have a great affinity with nature, and the botanical garden in Uppsala University makes me even keener study in this charming and highly-reputable university.

In my master's program, I would work on the dye-sensitized solar cells in three aspects. First of all, I would investigate thoroughly on the dye such as their classification and properties, and also the semiconductor materials used including titian oxide and zinc oxide. Moreover, design and synthesize dye with excellent ability in absorbing photons and I was really impressed by the novel blue organic dye as well as the application of the co-sensitization strategy researched in your University. Last but not least, since solar cells are supposed to be environmentally-friendly, there is also a fatal disadvantage, liquid electrolytes, which is unstable and toxic. Hence, I would continually study the solid-state electrolytes and attempt to improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells in practical use.

With respect to my future plan, Uppsala University could provide me a great training opportunity even beyond my own research field. After I received my Master's degree, I would go back to my hometown to play my part in the industry. On the other hand, I would try to promote the use of solar cells. The truth is that although I lived in the relatively-developed areas in China, it is still scarce to see them be in use in daily life. People are reluctant to install solar energy grid generation system mainly due to the huge upfront investment which may cost at least 50,000 RMB. So how to lower price and in the meantime, draw local residents' attention to the long-term benefits is a crucial task to be accomplished.

Concerning my personality, I believe I am an adaptable and independent individual, built by the growing experience of living in dormitory after primary school. In case of dealing with an unexpected problem, instead of contacting my mentor directly for assistance, I prefer consulting document first, and I have accumulated much relevant information through this process which could solve majority of the problem, during which my proficiency in English has provided me easy access to the articles of most advanced technology in the world. However, there is an old saying in China that "better no book rather than trust book completely", and I have had a deep understanding of it in my experimental experience. I had always struggled with a specific adding amount according to the document or equations and this of course has led to repeated failure. In order to address this issue, I managed to defeat my fear and enjoy the process of trial and error. Even when I felt depressed, I could adjust myself quickly.

Besides being a rational person in the academic aspect, I have great passion for literature, and my favorite book is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. The loyalty and persistence of the hero have consistently stimulated me to endure hardships and be optimistic towards life. All of this helped me get elevated, helped me to be an eligible researcher.

In conclusion, I would like to say if I could become a student of Uppsala University, I promise to demonstrate my skills, experience and become a worthy member of the group.

Sincerely
Siyun GUO