We aim at producing strong contributions towards the development of cost-efective, low energy pay back time photovoltaics based on abundant and non-toxic materials. The two pillars of our research are the use of advanced spectroscopic techniques and targeted processing schemes.
Our novel processing schemes enable fine control over desired properties, including crystallinity/packing, molecular orientation, as well as samples with controlled lateral gradients in desired properties. These samples are used on the one hand, to perform fundamental studies on well defined samples that help to stablish the link between structural properties and device performance. These may include the determination of phase diagrams, miscibility of components, as well as fundamental studies of the optical and electrical properties of materials. On the other hand, we use our processing toolkit for the optimization of solar cells through combinatorial screening methods. Finally, we do not loose the chance to explore novel device concepts based on our developed structures, such as position sensitive photodetectors or polarization sensors.
On the other hand, in order to be able to draw clear structure-property nexus, our strategy consist of combining spectroscopic techniques such as Raman, microPL or ellipsometry together with device characterization techniques, including photocurrent maps or local EQE measurements.
Finally, we also aim at using the developed scientific knowledge to help in the upscaling of the technology. We do this through long standing collaborations with private partners. Specific examples include combinatorial screening of novel materials, color tuning in OPV, development of green inks, or ITO replacements.
KEYWORDS: organic photovoltaics; processing toolkit; spectroscopy; upscaling.
Frequent collaborators: Prof. Jenny Nelson (Imperial College London); Prof. Olle Inganas (Linköping University); Prof. Donal Bradley (Oxford University); Prof. Paul Smith (ETH Zurich); Prof. Christoph Brabec (Erlangen); Dr. Lee Richter (NIST); Prof. Hideyuki Murata (JAIST); Prof. Christian Muller (Chalmers); Dr. Juan Cabanillas-Gonzalez (IMDEA); Dr. Paul Lacharmoise (Eurecat); Prof. Alberto Salleo (Stanford).
Contact: Mariano Campoy Quiles (mcampoy@icmab.es)
