Project R-4862

RAtional DEsign of blends for bulk heterojunction SOlar cells (Research)

In spite of being a quite young research area, organic photovoltaics are showing an impressive development. Top efficiencies of over 10% have recently been demonstrated. However, for this technology to become a real and competitive energy source for the future, it is clear that a deeper understanding of the inter-relationships between material structure, nanomorphology and device performance is needed, and this based on generic insights on the fundamentals of said relationships. Only in this way power conversion efficiencies of 15% or more can be achieved on a reasonable time scale. The consortium brought together in this project comprises leading groups of Flanders (Belgium), Portugal, and Norway concerning advanced materials synthesis and characterization. The main goal of the project is to unravel nanomorphology formation at the molecular level and its effect on device performance beyond the state-of-the-art by an integrated experimental effort and a unique combination of equipment and expertises,aiming at the study of blends via advanced thermal analysis, solid-state NMR, and X-ray diffraction and ptychography 3D imaging techniques, combined with analysis of the optoelectronic characteristics in photovoltaic devices. The results will lead to an integrated model allowing for molecular structure engineering in function of the desired nanomorphology and thus wanted photovoltaic parameters. As all partners are strongly involved within the European research community active in organic photovoltaics via network programs and National & European projects, dissemination of the insights achieved will strengthen the research impact of Europe and facilitate efforts to valorize European activities in organic electronics.

01 January 2014 - 31 December 2016