Events Calendar
Structure-function relationships of polymer solar cells: A molecular perspective
Thursday October 20, 2016
| 11:00 am
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Presenter: | Professor John Grey, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and the Nanoscience and Microsystems program, UNM |
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| Series: | OSE Seminars | |
| Abstract: | New molecular and electrical spectroscopic probes are introduced to generate spatial maps of structure-function relationships within disordered polymer solar cells. Extreme heterogeneity intrinsic to polymeric materials makes application of traditional semiconductor models very difficult and has stymied the advancement of solar cells due to the inability to reliably predict outcomes. We show that by combining frequency domain resonance Raman and intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopic techniques, it is possible to construct in-situ structure-function images within functioning solar cells on sub-micron size scales. This information exposes specific morphological features that either enhance or suppress efficient light harvesting, charge generation and collection. By taking advantage of large resonance enhancements of Raman scattering cross-sections, we further demonstrate the prevalence of polymorphism within conjugated polymers that has a large impact on material performance. We argue that a more complete molecular perspective of these complex materials is essential for continued improvement of polymer solar cell performance eventually leading to commercialization. | |
| Location: | Room 103, Center for High Tech Materials | |
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