Title: |
Plastic Solar Cells: Self Assembly of Bulk Heterojunction Nanomaterials by Spontaneous Phase Separation |
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Speaker: |
Prof. Alan J. Heeger |
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Affiliation: |
University of California at Santa Barbara and 2000 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry |
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When: |
Friday, February 18, 2011 at 4:00:00 PM |
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Where: |
Molecular Science and Engineering Building, Room G011 |
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Host: |
Kourtnie Robin | |
Abstract I will describe the discovery of ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer as the scientific foundation for the creation of a technology for low cost “plastic” solar cells. This initial charge separation occurs at a time scale two orders of magnitude faster than the first step in photo-synthesis in green plants. Charge collection at the electrodes is accomplished through self-assembly of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) nano-materials by spontaneous phase separation. I will focus on the details of the operating mechanism; the origin of the open circuit voltage (Voc), the role of morphology on the charge separation and charge collection at the electrodes, the need for charge selective buffer layers and the origin of the limitations on the fill factor (FF). I will summarize recent progress on the performance of solar cells fabricated from semiconducting polymers. We see a clear technology pathway to solar cells with lifetimes and efficiencies required for rooftop applications. |
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Biography Professor Alan J. Heeger serves as Professor of Physics and Professor of Materials at the University of California, Santa Barbara and also heads a research group at the university’s Center for Polymers and Organic Solids. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2000) for his pioneering research in and the co-founding of the field of semiconducting and metallic polymers. He has more than 800 peer-reviewed scientific publications. His research efforts continue to focus on the science and technology of semiconducting and metallic polymers with emphasis on “plastic” solar cells; i.e. self-assembly of bulk heterojunction nano-materials by spontaneous phase separation. Heeger co-founded (with Howard Berke) Konarka Techonologies in 2001; he continues to serve as Chief Scientist. Konarka is commercializing low cost plastic solar cells fabricated from bulk heterojunction materials comprising semiconducting polymers and fullerenes. Konarka has developed roll-to-roll manufacturing for printed plastic solar cells. Product introduction is on-going with manufacturing on the world’s largest roll-to-roll thin film solar manufacturing facility. Other current interests include studies of bio-specific sensors for DNA and proteins. |
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Notes |
Reception will follow. |