Materials for Printed, Large-Area Ductile Organic Solar Cells
Abstract
The objective of this hypothesis-driven effort led by a highly-qualified PI at Northwestestern University (this proposal), and a highly qualified PI at Geogia Tech (a second proposal) is the fundamental science based design, materials synthesis, and fabrication of next-generation printed, high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stable and light-weight organic solar cells (OSCs) and modules on plastic, as well as on elastic and textile substrates. These will be integrated with large-area, flexible, and portable devices to meet the energy needs of tomorrow#s Naval and Marine operational forces. Our approach builds on established PI experise in molecular/polymeric rmaterials design, materials processing using low-temperature solution-deposition methods, fabricating donor-acceptor OSC blends and modules, as well as on a team of expert academic, National Lab and industrial collaborators offering unique modeling, fabrication, advanced ex-situ and in-situ characterization tehniques, organic thin-film processing, and techno-economic insights. This effort comprises three shared Tasks for achieving the project goals and deliverables. These are organized around the complementary specializations of the participating institutions to achieve maximum efficiency and technology delivery. Task 1. Design and synthesize donor and acceptor polymeric semiconductors optimizing, simultaneously, blend mechanical deformation (ultimate strain, #u) and PCE, initially in rigid OSCs. Deliverable 1: i. New polymer donor and molecular/polymer acceptors. ii. Deep understanding of the major factors optimizing mechanical deformation in pristine/blend OSC systems. iii. Achieve OSCs with #u > 60% and with PCE >19%. Task 2. Engineer OSC blend and OSC long-term morphological stability in rigid and flexible OSCs. Deliverable 2: i. Photoactive and supporting materials for device mechanical and temporal stability. ii. Flexible cells with PCE > 18% (PCE retention >90%, 100.000 cycles @ radious = 1 cm). Stretchable cells with PCE >15% (PCE retention >90%, 10.000 cycles @ strain = 30%). Task3. Fabricate mechanically agile OSCs and modules by printing for proof-of-concept applications. Deliverable 3. i. Printed flexible module with PCE > 12% (30#50 cm2, PCE retention >90%, 100,000 cycles @ radius = 1 cm, lifetime 10 years). Stretchable modules with PCE >10% (areas of 5#5 cm2, PCE retention >90%, 10.000 cycles @ strain = 30%, lifetimes of 5 years). ii. Integrate optimized flexibleOSCs with other electronic, photonic, and sensor device technologies ideally those which would benefit from the target OSC mechanical characteristics.To achieve maximum team collaborative effectiveness for this project we will orchestrate close integration of theresearch efforts of the two institutions. This will involve biweekly zooms, exchange of samples and measurement data, personnel exchange for transfering experimental techniques and/or conducting experiments at a remote facilities, and by an annual all-hands meeting, preferably co-located with a national conference or symposium.Future Naval and Marine Corps RelevanceIn the field, efficient light-weight flexible solar cells would be a valuable source of portable power for lighting, communications, sensing, and battery recharge. Note that the average soldier carries 8-10 lb of batteries on a typical mission. Furthermore, at sea such solar cells would beinvaluable for powering communication in canopied life rafts and when personnel are beached in remote and/or hostile areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412109
Entities
People
- Tobin J. Marks
Organizations
- Northwestern University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy