Materials World Network: Novel Fullerenes as the N-Type Materials in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaics

该材料世界网络项目将研究n型富勒烯分子与光敏聚合物的设计规则和兼容性，并将所获得的理解应用于光伏器件中，以实现突破性的性能。该技术方法的核心是合理设计和合成新型富勒烯材料，以解决三个关键问题：a）提高富勒烯的LUMO能级以获得更高的光电压; B）通过引入取代基来微调富勒烯的极性以实现优化的形态;以及c）通过将发色团引入富勒烯化合物来增强吸收。这些新型受体的结构和能级之间的关系，电荷产生/复合，吸收，溶解度，电子迁移率，表面能，和形态的供体/受体共混物膜将被全面调查。本计画将与台湾国立交通大学魏国华教授合作。结合的研究将导致理解的n型富勒烯的设计规则，重点不仅是LUMO-HOMO位置，但也形态，载流子寿命，和材料系统中的电荷传输之间的关系。这种理解对于实现有机光伏性能里程碑非常重要。 非技术性总结：有机光催化剂（OPV）是探索可持续能源的一个日益重要的领域。该材料世界网络项目旨在通过互补的国际合作，深入了解用于能源设备技术的OPV材料的核心问题。该项目将为本科生培训提供一个平台，并展示可再生能源对社会的重要性。该项目将为K-12学生提供有关清洁能源问题，科学和职业的教育和认识，并与加州大学洛杉矶分校NSF清洁绿色IGERT计划的外展计划相关联。 作为该项目的一部分，将为高中生提供夏令营机会。此外，还计划为加州大学洛杉矶分校清洁绿色IGERT开设一门关于可再生能源和太阳能电池的课程以及一个OPV太阳能电池教学模块。该项目由材料研究部的聚合物计划和特别计划办公室支持。

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:This Materials World Network project will investigate the design rules and compatibility of n-type fullerene molecules with photoactive polymers, and apply the obtained understanding to achieve breakthrough performance in photovoltaic devices. The centerpiece of the technical approach is the rational design and synthesis of novel fullerene materials to address three key issues: a) raising LUMO Energy level of fullerene for higher photo-voltage; b) polarity fine-tuning of the fullerene by introducing substitutes to achieve optimized morphology; and c) absorption enhancement through introducing chromophores to the fullerene compounds. The relationship between the structures of these novel acceptors and the energy levels, charge generation/recombination, absorption, solubility, electron mobility, surface energy, and morphology of the donor/acceptor blend films will be comprehensively investigated. This project will be in collaboration with Prof. Kung-Hwa Wei of NCTU in Taiwan. The combined study will lead to understanding on the design rules of n-type fullerenes with emphasis on not just the LUMO-HOMO position, but also the relation between morphology, charge carrier lifetime, and charge transport in the materials system. This understanding is important for achieving organic photovoltaic performance milestones. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY:Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are an area of growing importance in exploring sustainable energy sources. This Materials World Network project seeks to provide a deep understanding of the core issues in OPV materials for energy device technology through a complementary international collaboration. This project will provide a platform for undergraduate training and showcase the importance of renewable energy to society. The project will provide education and awareness to K-12 students on clean-energy issues, science and careers in association with the outreach programs in UCLA's NSF Clean-Green IGERT program. A summer camp opportunity for high and middle school students will be provided as part of the project. In addition, a course on renewable energy and solar cells, as well as an OPV solar cell teaching module for UCLA Clean & Green IGERT are planned. This project is supported by the Polymers Program and the Office of Special Programs in the Division of Materials Research.