CAREER: Utilizing Ferroelectrics for Multifaceted Device Engineering of Polymer Solar Cells

研究目的与方法。本研究的目的是开创一种新的模式，在有机光电子学实现更高的功率转换效率，铁电体与共轭聚合物为基础的光伏器件的婚姻。该方法利用铁电体的独特性质，如高介电常数和永久可逆偶极，在有机光伏器件中的大部分和界面处扰动光电现象。智力优势。拟议的办法是多方面的。在光伏层的主体内，铁电体的局部电场和高介电常数将促进增加的电子-空穴对解离、改变的光谱和增强的电荷传输。在有机/电极界面处，这些偶极子将使得能够增加电荷收集和更高的端子电压。铁电体和共轭聚合物的拟议婚姻也有望激发混合光伏/压电/热电器件的新范例，用于从多个来源收集能量。该项目将导致更高效率的有机太阳能电池，这将通过使该技术在短期内可用于离网应用而影响社会，并从长远来看提高其并网大规模使用的前景。PI将研究与教育和推广紧密结合。PI将开发课程，并提供多学科的研究生和本科生的研究经验，包括那些来自代表性不足的少数民族，以及教育K-12教师通过爱荷华州州立大学的“玩弄技术”计划。此外，PI将与爱荷华州科学中心合作，举办博物馆展览，吸引公众参与，激励K-12学生。

ABSTRACTResearch Objective and Approach. The objective of this research is to initiate a new paradigm in organic photovoltaics for achieving higher power conversion efficiencies, that marries ferroelectrics with conjugated-polymer based photovoltaic devices. The approach utilizes unique properties of ferroelectrics, such as high dielectric-constant and permanent reversible dipoles, to perturb the optoelectronic phenomena in the bulk of and at the interfaces in organic photovoltaic devices. Intellectual Merit. The proposed approach is multifaceted. Within the bulk of the photovoltaic layers, the local electric field and high dielectric-constant of the ferroelectrics will facilitate increased electron-hole pair dissociation, altered optical spectra, and enhanced charge transport. At the organic/electrode interfaces, these dipoles will enable increased charge collection and higher terminal voltage. The proposed marriage of ferroelectrics and conjugated-polymers also is expected to instigate new paradigms of hybrid photovoltaic/piezoelectric/pyroelectric devices for energy harvesting from multiple sources.Broader Impacts. This project will lead to higher efficiency organic solar cells, which will impact the society by making the technology feasible for off-grid applications in the short run, and improve its promise for grid-connected large-scale use in the long run. The PI will closely integrate research with education and outreach. The PI will develop curriculum and provide multidisciplinary research experiences to graduate and undergraduate students, including those from underrepresented minorities, as well as educate K-12 teachers on photovoltaics through Iowa State University's "Toying With Technology" program. Additionally, the PI will collaborate with the Science Center of Iowa on museum exhibits to engage the general public and inspire K-12 students.