Polyheterocycles as Printable Redox Active and Photovoltaic Materials
Abstract
We seek to develop both solid-state and redox active materials based on ~-conjugated polymers(CPs). In one set of objectives, this project will start with the design and synthesis of a set of stable donor polymers matched with a set of stable NFAs, yielding OPV materials with efficiencies close to those of the state-of-the-art devices. We will study the fundamental physics and chemistry of these donor-acceptor molecular systems with the goal of establishing a set of chemical design rules for stable bulk BHJ blends. Our goal is to understand at the molecular level how donor and acceptor chemistry affects the interfacial stability and the morphological stability of the blends. With the fundamental understanding of degradation mechanisms and the knowledge of how to control them, we will further enhance the stability of OPV cells using donor polymers prepared with a high scalability and high reproducibility. Through careful modifications of the polymer donor chemistry we intend to control the chemical purity, planarity, side-groups, crystallinity, and miscibility in the ultimate materials. Continuing our well-developed collaboration with the Marder group in molecular NFAs, and the So group in characterization and device studies, our objective is to determine a set of chemistry design rules to determine: (i) the criteria for stable donor polymers matched with appropriate NFAs, (ii) the chemical factors affecting the interface and morphological stability, and (iii) the criteria for obtaining a stable blend given a stable polymer donor and a stable acceptor. In a second set of objectives, this proposal seeks to develop new CPs that provide especially high conductivity, while simultaneously being electrochemically switchable between conducting and insulating states, as well as electromagnetic radiation absorbing and transmissive states. These CPs will be processed from solution, ultimately allowing flexible and large area devices to be constructed. Redox doping will be carried out both chemically and electrochemically allowing CP:dopant ion interactions to be probed. Small conductivity changing elements will be designed and constructed, which will be coupled with direct in write printed electrode structures. Large area reflective/absorptive devices will be used to modulate long wavelength radiation at theelectrode surfaces. Here, we have teamed with the Mirotznik group (University of Delaware, UD), where the Reynolds group designs, synthesizes, processes, and dopes these CPs and ourcollaborators at UD design and print electrode structures for switchable antenna and other specific test device structures to probe their switchable electromagnetic properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012129
Entities
People
- John Reynolds
Organizations
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy