TOSCA Thrust III: Pinpointing the Morphological and Chemical Origins of Degradation in Fullerene-free Organic Photovoltaics (ONR White Paper Tracking Number: FY2019-000134-AS)

Abstract

This project is Thrust III of the Triangle Organic Solar Cell Alliance (TOSCA). The proposedproject will identify and visualize the morphological and chemical origins of degradation in state-of-the-art organic solar cell materials consisting of polymer donor and non-fullerene small molecule acceptors, working in conjunction with the other Thrusts of TOSCA. Toward achievingthis aim, we will visualize the morphology, associated interfaces and energy landscape in state-of-the-art modern bulk heterojunction layers by utilizing advanced imaging techniques based onscanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) approaches. In doing so, we willinterrogate the morphological stability of phases and interfaces under thermal, light andenvironmental stresses and aging. We also seek to detect changes in the material and its energeticlandscape which are associated to the burn-in as well as long-term aging of solar cell devices. This will be performed using cross-sectional device characterization and imaging techniques. A key outcome of this project will be to propose new materials design guidelines which better achieve resistance to burn-in degradation and long term stability while maintaining highly competitive power conversion efficiency.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 29, 2020
Source ID
N000142012183

Entities

People

  • Aram Amassian

Organizations

  • North Carolina State University
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.