GOALI: Plasmonically Enhanced Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaics

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Research Objectives and Approaches:The objective of this research is to advance organic solar cells using tailored chemistries of metallic nanoparticles that when assembled into a thin film act like tiny lenses across the film surface to focus sunlight onto the light absorption region. When metal nanoparticles are aligned into a perfect periodic checker-board array, they can create a plasmonic resonance leading to a high augmented absorption. There will be a significant leveraging through an alliance with the local company, MetaMateria. Also, collaborations with Prof. Terry Bigioni will further expand the scope of study. Metamateria will fashion nanoparticles to be placed adjacent the active collection region and Bigioni will create nanoparticles to be placed inside the active region. The addition of Prof. James Coe from Ohio State's Chemistry provides an experienced background with modeling plasmonic optical effects. Intellectual Merit:The proposed project will establish a world-class program in polymer solar cells that will advance low-cost polymer solar cells using plasmonics. The development of unique and tailored nanoparticles chemistries with MetaMateria will be a platform technology for other applications, such as fuel cells and water purification, which are key commercialization thrusts for MetamateriaBroader Impacts:Through collaborations with industry, we will increase the competitiveness and position of US industry and advance the efficiency and functionality of solar cells. Participation of industry will broaden the culture of innovation and focus the research output towards strategic commercialization. Undergraduate researchers will provide valuable and substantive contributions to the proposed work.