Durable Polymer Semiconductor Blends for Plastic Solar Cells

Research Project, 2014 – 2017

Plastic solar cells have the potential to become a cheap renewable energy technology. Today, light-harvesting efficiencies of up to 9-10% have been achieved. In my group we study photovoltaic blends of a donor polymer and a fullerene acceptor. The photovoltaic performance critically depends on the precise blend nanostructure, which however rapidly deteriorates during heating. This programme aims to address the poor thermal stability of polymer/fullerene blends. We will develop a detailed understanding of the interplay between nanostructure and long-term performance. This will enable us to design processing schemes that lead to optimum nanostructures, which do not evolve in time. Importantly, we will pay attention to durability at typical processing and operating temperatures. Three main strategies will be used to achieve durable polymer solar cell blends: 1) use of crystalline donor polymers with a high glass transition temperature, 2) use of high molecular-weight polymers to achieve chain entanglement in solution and 3) nucleating agents to form nanocrystals of the fullerene acceptor. We have collected initial results that indicate feasibility of these concepts. Towards the end of the programme we will combine these three strategies to achieve truly durable photovoltaic blends. Finally, the thermal stability and light-harvesting efficiency of our novel materials will be tested in complete polymer solar cells.

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