Stability of organic solar cells: Relating stability to chemical structure

Posted on 21 Mar 2017

The novel design, through chemical engineering, of semiconductor polymers in recent years has given new breadth to the organic photovoltaics (OPV) technology. This pushed the power conversion efficiency (PCE) to a record 11.5 % and 13.2 % for single junction and tandem devices respectively. While this achievement is a boost to the field, the device stability remains still a challenge. It has already been established in the group that indeed the chemical structure plays a crucial role in the UV-degradation of the cells. This proposed research work is intended to extend further this understanding and show if any, the role played by the presence of O and F atoms in the side chains of these novel polymers on the stability of their solar cells.

For this master project, first the student must have basic knowledge of organic solar cells and must be ready to work both in the cleanroom environment, making solar cells, and measurement lab, where all equipment are readily available, for their characterisation.

MSc Research Project (Suitable for Applied Physics)
Expected Time : ~ months
Daily supervisor: ~ (Photophysics and Optoelectronics Group)
Supervisor: dr. Jan Anton Koster


Written by

  • Board Buitengewoon