STTR Phase I: New polymers for 10% efficiency organic photovoltaic cells

这个小型企业技术转移（STTR）第一期项目旨在开发用于有机光伏电池（opv）的高效聚合物。基于聚合物的opv是环保且经济实惠的能源生产的理想选择。然而，与无机光伏相比，opv的效率仍然很低，目前为7.9%。其中一个主要原因是缺乏具有高效器件所需性能的聚合物，例如强而广泛的吸收，高载流子迁移率和适当的能级。该项目预计将通过以下方法证明opv的效率为10%:(1)设计和合成具有理想带隙、分子能级、迁移率和可加工性的新型共轭聚合物；(2)优化器件结构、聚合物膜形态和界面。在该项目中，还将研究在柔性基板上实现opv的工艺。该项目的更广泛/商业影响将是有可能产生高效率的opv，这种opv成本低，灵活且易于制造。该项目有望取代目前便携式电源中的电池技术，从而限制有毒材料的使用，从而使有机电子工业受益。该项目的成功完成将为实现高达7%的太阳能组件效率提供可能性。

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop high efficiency polymers for organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs). OPVs based on polymers are ideal for environmentally-benign and affordable energy generation. However, the efficiency of OPVs is still low compared to their inorganic counterparts, currently at 7.9%. One of the major reasons is the lack of polymers with the required properties for a high efficiency device, such as strong and broad absorption, high carrier mobility, and appropriate energy levels. This project is expected to demonstrate 10% efficiency for OPVs through the following approaches, (1) design and synthesis of new conjugated polymers with ideal band gap, molecular energy levels, mobility, and processability; and (2) optimization of device structure, polymer film morphology, and interfaces. In this project, processes that will enable OPVs on flexible substrates will also be investigated. The broader/commercial impact of this project will be the potential to result in high efficiency OPVs that are low-cost, flexible, and can be easily manufactured. This project is anticipated to benefit organic electronics industry by potentially replacing current battery technology in portable power source, thus limiting the use of toxic materials. Successful completion of this project will provide the possibility to achieve up to 7% solar module efficiency.