SYNABCO

Synthesis and Application of Block Copolymers for Interfacial Stability in Organic Solar Cells

Coordinatore	ASTON UNIVERSITY    more  Organization address address: ASTON TRIANGLE city: BIRMINGHAM postcode: B4 7ET contact info Titolo: Dr. Nome: Paul Cognome: Topham Email: send email Telefono: 441212000000
Nazionalità Coordinatore	United Kingdom [UK]
Totale costo	209˙092 €
EC contributo	209˙092 €
Programma	FP7-PEOPLE Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)
Code Call	FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
Funding Scheme	MC-IEF
Anno di inizio	2011
Periodo (anno-mese-giorno)	2011-09-01   -   2013-08-31

 Partecipanti

#	participant	country	role	EC contrib. [€]
1	ASTON UNIVERSITY  Organization address address: ASTON TRIANGLE city: BIRMINGHAM postcode: B4 7ET contact info Titolo: Dr. Nome: Paul Cognome: Topham Email: send email Telefono: 441212000000	UK (BIRMINGHAM)	coordinator	209˙092.80

Mappa

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'SYNABCO will increase the efficiency and lifetime of organic solar cells (OSCs) by creating a highly original and industrially viable polymer layer which will bind critical components together within the device. Finding an inexpensive, clean and completely renewable energy source is the most pressing challenge of current times. OSCs offer superb potential to meet this challenge but are currently not able to do so because they are inefficient and lack long term stability. It is critical that the technological break-through required to bring solar energy to every household across the world is explored while we are still in a position to do so. The scientific goal of SYNABCO is to provide just such a step-change technology platform. SYNABCOs multidisciplinary solution will exploit polymer nanotechnology and so although it will be ‘smart’ it will also be cheap and readily scaleable. Moreover, as it will be developed in concert with Konarka, the largest manufacturer of OSCs in the world, it will be immediately applicable in a global marketplace. The IP, papers and seminars that result from SYNABCO will also help maintain the EU as a leading centre for both academic and industrial research into OSCs. SYNABCO will also provide a unique training opportunity to develop a highly skilled fellow with broad OSC-relevant scientific skill and knowledge sets. The SYNABCO fellow will additionally receive training in a broad range of complementary skills. The training, skills and knowledge base with which SYNABCO will imbue the fellow will ensure that upon successfully completing the project he will be capable of becoming a leading research figure in OSCs within the EU. The ERA will thus reap considerable benefit from the development of an independent and mature researcher with a truly transnational background who will be able to contribute a significant and long term research effort into a pivotal area of research in which it is vital that the EU remains at the forefront.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Extending organic solar cell lifetime

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have been recently brought to the table mainly due to their inexpensive fabrication in large roll-to-roll films from relatively abundant materials. To date, however, OPV technology suffers from limited lifetime; in the region of a five-year period. Light-absorbing materials that harvest solar radiation need to be durable and not degrade over time.

Against this backdrop, scientists on the EU-funded project 'Synthesis and application of block copolymers for interfacial stability in organic solar cells' (SYNABCO) sought to significantly prolong OPV lifetime by designing novel block copolymers.

These polymer layers were designed to improve device stability through low-energy equilibrium structures that hold the photoactive materials in place. Binding critical components together within the device should also boost power-conversion efficiency.

Two different block copolymer libraries were designed and synthesised. Using a new synthetic route, the block copolymers did not contain metal contaminants that are known to have a negative impact on device performance. The phase diagram of both material libraries are currently under construction.

The effect of SYNABCO new polymers on lifetime and efficiency of real OPV devices are currently being tested. The project findings should enhance European competitiveness and provide a step change in the PV technology platform.