Hybrid Systems with Controllable mesostructures for Photovoltaics (B07)

• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers ; Analytical Chemistry ; Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2009 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 79971943

Controlling the mesostructure is of great importance for the realization of efficient and stable photovoltaic cells. During the past period we developed functional block-copolymer systems, which constitute first building blocks towards a controlled mesostructure via self-assembly. Furthermore, we investigated in detail plasmonic light management, where we could particularly identify the limitations of this concept. During the next period we will continue our work on controlled hybrid systems and will expand our material platform towards brush polymers. Additionally, the emerging class of perovskite solar cells will become a central focus of our investigations. Using an integrated approach combining theoretical predictions, materials synthesis and characterization, our aim is to contribute to a fundamental understanding of the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. In particular, we will focus on two-dimensional perovskite materials. Understanding the thermal conductivity of photoactive materials will open new ways to assess the underlying microstructure, even in operating solar cell devices. This will provide unique insights into the interplay of structure, stability and efficiency.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 840: From Particulate Nanosystems to Mesotechnology
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bayreuth
• Project Heads: Dr. Linn Leppert, since 7/2017; Professor Dr. Markus Retsch; Professor Dr. Mukundan Thelakkat