3D Modelling the photoactive layer in polymer solar cells

In this project, polymer solar cells are investigated, i.e. solar cells whose active layer consist of polymer semiconductors or at hybrid polymer solar cells of a blend of polymer and inorganic semiconductors, respectively. Polymer solar cells can be fabricated (potentially) cheap and under relatively simple production conditions. Due to their low thickness, there is a whole new range of applications, e.g. smart fabrics.

However, the efficiency of such polymer solar cells is (still) quite modest in comparison with classical silicon solar cells. In a cooperation between Ulm University and the TU Eindhoven (Prof. Janssen), a strong dependency between the efficiency and the geometric structure of the composite materials has been detected.

To analyse the correlation between morphology and performance and to detect improved structures, a stochastic simulation model for the morphology of polymer solar cells is developed.

Applications: Virtual Material Design

  • Development and fitting of a stochastic simulation model for the morphology of the photoactive layer of polymer solar cells
  • Simulation of physical processes in simulated structures
  • Quantification of the dependency between performance and morphology
  • Detection of improved morphologies via computer simulations

This research project is embedded in the priority programme 'Elementary Processes of Organic Photovoltaics' (SPP1355) by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

 

Contact persons: Prof. Schmidt, Daniel Westhoff