Molecular Engineering of Self-Assembled and Mechanically Robust Polymer Solar Cells
Photovoltaic energy conversion is a promising option to supply renewable zero pollution energy on a global scale. In order to compete with energy derived from fossil fuels, the cost must be reduced. Polymer based solar cells have emerged as technology for harvesting renewable energy from sunlight. However, there are major challenges that need to be addressed before the marketability of these devices: (i) the lower device performance compared to conventional silicon-based solar cells, (ii) the long-term thermal instability of polymeric emulsions and (iii) poor mechanical stability. In this thesis, we propose to study polymers, block copolymers, chemical additives, and polymer composites used in the bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaics solar cells. Through chemical manipulations and device processing optimizations we are able (i) to study the interface between different phases of polymer-polymer blends and its impact on their opto-electronic properties of organic solar cells, (ii) to investigate the effect of block-copolymer additives in the phase behavior of polymeric emulsions while enhancing thermal stability, and (iii) to improve mechanical stability and suppress crack formation and propagation of solar cells under deformation. Finally, we hope this thesis gives a better understanding of how rationally designing polymers can be used to address current issues in organic photovoltaic solar cells.
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