Toward High Performance Photovoltaic Cells Based On Conjugated Polymers II
Abstract
Conjugated polymer/nanoparticle composites have attracted much attention for use in renewable energy applications because of their versatile and synergistic optical and electronic properties. Upon absorbing photons, charge separation occurs in the interfaces between conjugated polymers and nanoparticles due to their offset energy levels, generating electrons and holes for photocurrent flow. Incorporating nanoparticles into conjugated polymers can complement the visible light absorption range of the polymers for photovoltaics applications. We propose a comprehensive research plan to address the efficiency and manufacturability issues in conjugated polymer/nanoparticle solar cells through fundamental studies of material properties, film formation processes and device. Herein, we propose to prepare nanocomposites of fullerenes and cross-linkable two-dimensional conjugated polymers for photovoltaic applications with devices fabricated with roll-to-roll or spray-coating processes. To achieve our goals, we plan to carry out three complementary studies: (i) syntheses and characterizations of two-dimensional (2D) conjugated polymers with functional groups such as crosslinking units on side chains for interacting with functional groups on other polymer chains, (ii) preparations and characterizations of functionalized fullerenes, and (iii) fabrication of devices of highly efficient solar cell with nanocomposites of 2D conjugated polymers and functionalized fullerenes. We expect to utilize spray-coating and roll-to-roll slot-die coating to achieving large-area fabrication techniques for these devices incorporating 2D crosslinking conjugated polymers with high power conversion efficiency and stability such as 6% and a device lifetime (T80, the time required for the device performance to degrade to 80% of its initial value) of 3000 h after the first year. We will also incorporate MoS2 atomic layers that also absorb light into the electron transport layer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2016
- Source ID
- FA23861614135
Entities
People
- Kung-Hwa Wei
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- National Chiao Tung University
- United States Air Force