Macromolecular Materials for Organic Solar Cells (2008-2011)

Organic semiconducting materials have significant technological potential in electronic and optoelectronic applications such as light-emitting diodes and solar cells. In this multidisciplinary proposal we aim to create new families of dendritic (branched) solution processible materials for use in low-cost solar (photovoltaic) cells. We will investigate the fundamental chemical and physical properties required for efficient photovoltaic action, and build and test organic solar cells based on bulk heterojunction and photoelectrochemical architectures. In each case scale-up and lifetime issues will be addressed, and as a consequence the project will generate both significant fundamental understanding and applied outcomes.