Project Details
Projekt
Life-time-relevant interaction of materials and printing process parameters
Applicant
Professor Dr.-Ing. Arved C. Hübler
Subject Area
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Term
since 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 461909888
The two main tasks to be solved in the P2 project are (I) the fabrication of solar cells by means printing processes and (II) the investigation of the mechanisms involved in the formation of layers, with particular emphasis on durability aspects. Printing is carried out using the standard processes of gravure printing, flexographic printing, screen printing and inkjet printing. In an iterative test procedure, proof prints are first produced and evaluated with regard to layer formation, and then characterized and further analyzed in particular by the partner projects. In a second stage, promising systems are produced in roll-to-roll printing (R2R) and characterized accordingly. PEN/PET films are used as substrate, for the active layer the materials PM6, PTB7-Th, PffBT4T-2OD as well as ITIC, Y6, Y7, but also block co-oligomers are initially in the foreground. The electrodes as well as the charge transfer layers will be designed with adapted standard materials. In parallel to the regular multilayer printing, a new approach is being developed in which the layers are printed on two film sheets and then laminated together in the active layer. This approach promises the possibility to specifically influence the morphology of the active layer in the lamination process. Macroscopic examination, including in situ, is planned to study the layer formation in the printing process and the printing results. Further analyses of the morphology and function of the printed solar cells will be carried out by the partner projects and taken into account in a close iterative process during the development of the printing processes. In addition to the fluid mechanics during ink transfer and the drying process, special attention will be given to the ink formulation. The project is also closely linked to the development of the block co-oligomers. The ink formulation and the sample preparation in the various printing processes also serve in particular to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms that lead to a reduction in the lifespan and to a degradation of the solar cells.
DFG Programme
Research Units
