Opto-electronic processes in photovoltaic structures interacting with nanodiamonds

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Harald Hoppe
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431903417

This project will pursue the implementation of nanodiamonds (NDs) towards enhancement of properties (chemical, electrical, opto-electronic) of organic photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. Structures prepared with NDs will be either layers (e.g. via extending or replacing charge extraction layers such as PEDOT:PSS or ZnO) or bulk (ternary bulk heterojunction system of organic solar cells). NDs will vary in size (1-10 nm) and surface termination (O, H), all very well defined by preparation. The structures will be characterized by advanced scanning probe methods (KPFM, C-AFM) in the dark and under illumination (DUV-vis, sol. simulator) and macroscopic (e.g. current-voltage) characterizations. Physicochemical interactions between NDs and other charge transport or charge generation materials will be monitored spectroscopically (Raman scattering, FTIR, PL). It is expected, that the project will enhance the knowledge on the role and possible application of NDs in organic photovoltaics (light scattering, active photoresponse, optical and chemical interaction, charge extraction and transport) and which configuration (size and termination of NDs, layered or bulk, type of photovoltaic blend) will exhibit the best development output in terms of performance and stability (power conversion efficiency, optical and mechanical properties, degradation).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Czech Republic
• Partner Organisation: Czech Science Foundation
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Jan Cermák