Project description
Non-equilibrium energetics in organic solar cells
Most models of organic solar cells assume that the energy levels at internal interfaces stay the same when the device is working under light, but new evidence suggests that light may actually change these energy levels and affect how well the device works. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OperIntoBHJ project will combine advanced operando experimental techniques, such as photoemission, inverse photoemission and electron energy-loss spectroscopy, to observe electronic states in organic solar cells under real operating conditions. Because the internal interfaces are buried and structurally complex, it will develop methods to isolate and analyse them with precision. Theoretical modelling will integrate the results into a framework explaining how illumination affects interfacial energy levels.
Objective
In organic photovoltaic bulk heterojunctions, the energy level alignment at donor–acceptor interfaces provides the fundamental driving force that converts strongly bound excitons into usable electrical charges. It has long been assumed—almost without question—that the interfacial energetics established under thermal equilibrium remain unchanged when the device operates under illumination. However, recent operando photoemission studies on related systems with weakly interacting interfaces have begun to challenge this assumption, pointing to the possibility that illumination can substantially alter interfacial energy levels. In this project, we will explore such non-equilibrium energetics in state-of-the-art organic photovoltaic bulk heterojunctions. To overcome their intrinsic morphological complexity, we will develop a worldwide unique methodology capable of disentangling buried interfaces with high precision. Beyond existing approaches, we will extend operando experiments towards a comprehensive suite, combining operando photoemission with operando inverse photoemission and operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Together, these measurements will deliver a complete picture of the occupied, unoccupied, and excitonic states under illumination. In parallel, we will establish a self-consistent theoretical framework that rationalizes the experimental findings within a single coherent description.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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10117 Berlin
Germany
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