Objective
This proposal aims to improve the current generation of organic photovoltaic materials by controlling the molecular morphology, a key parameter in the development of organic solar cells. Self-organisation is activated by a newly discovered nanophase segregation process between rod- and disc-shaped molecules. Moreover, the overall liquid crystalline properties of the system allow macroscopic alignment, giving rise to an optimised geometry at all length scales.
The proposed project covers the entire chain of knowledge: the design and preparation of the nanophase segregating materials, a detailed investigation of the electro-optical properties, and the analysis of the photovoltaic behaviour. This approach is an attractive method for studying functional materials and allows a direct link from fundamental research to technology-based industries.
Apart from developing new concepts in light harvesting and sustainable energies, the proposal envisages advances in the field of nanosciences, particularly in the control of self-organisation and nanostructure formation. Basic understanding of the parameters for self-organisation will be generated, which contributes to the process of conceptualisation, required to support future technological breakthroughs in the field of nanosciences.
In the proposal, a close collaboration between the scientist from top-level institutes like MIT, Boston and the University of Nijmegen is realised. The institutes provide a state-of-the-art training opportunity for the applicant. Knowledge and experience built-up during the project can easily disseminate into national and European projects concerning photovoltaic technologies.
Fields of science
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometry
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energyphotovoltaic
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringliquid crystals
Keywords
Call for proposal
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-6
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International FellowshipsCoordinator
Netherlands