Project Details
Projekt
Multiblock co-oligomers with predefined and monodisperse segments and thermodynamically stable lamellar morphology for non-fullerene solar cells
Applicant
Professor Dr. Michael Sommer
Subject Area
Polymer Materials
Term
since 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 461909888
The goal of Project 1 within the Research Unit POPULAR is to control and predict morphology of non-fullerene (NFA) solar cells and increase their morphological long-term stability. Using donor--acceptor multiblock co-oligomers with monodisperse blocks, we will generate thermodynamically stable, lamellar morphologies by virtue of self-assembly. Lamellar widths and long periods will be predicted and determined by the length of the donor and acceptor segments. Chemically, the oligomeric donor segments will be based on the repeat units of the state-of-the-art material PM6, while the acceptor segment will be based on established PNDIT2. As a key feature, monodisperse oligomers with well-defined end groups will be prepared and incorporated into multiblock co-oligomers. Unlike literature reports on conjugated donor--acceptor block copolymers, the monodisperse nature of the blocks will allow for extremely well-defined interfaces. Moreover, issues related to reproducibility and batch-to-batch variations can be entirely eliminated. Furthermore, usage of non-conjugated linkers between donor and acceptor segments will give room to enhanced segregation of the two segments and additionally prevent charge recombination. In the second four-year period, this approach will be extended to further non-fullerene acceptors with PNDIT2 being substituted by yet higher performing acceptors such as Y6. The hitherto unknown multiblock co-oligomers will be investigated comprehensively by the POPULAR consortium using molecular, opto-electronic, thermal, structural and device-related methods, and their suitability for printed solar cells will finally be elucidated.
DFG Programme
Research Units
