v2.11.0 (5380)

PA - C7 - PHY652B : Polymers for Photovoltaics (Org PV)

Domaine > Physique.

Descriptif

Eligibility/Pre- requisites 

A basic knowledge in quantum mechanics is preferable, but not absolutely required. 

Learning outcomes 

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the research and technology used to design polymer-based organic solar cells.
After taking this course, the student should be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge on the following subjects:

  • Concept of organic semiconductors,

  • Exciton and charge carrier transport in polymeric and organic semiconductors,

  • Synthesis and application of polymers in organic photovoltaic technology,

  • Organic photovoltaic cell design. 

Course main content 

The cost-effective development of flexible solar cells is one of the challenges of tomorrow’s onboard photovoltaic systems. As demonstrated by the 10.7 % efficiency achieved in April 2012 by Heliatek GmbH, polymer solar cells, and organic photovoltaic technology at large, seem to offer the most promising avenue for achieving this. The role of organic materials is not limited to semiconductor-type active media, so we will also discuss their use in dye- sensitized solar cells and perovskite-based hybrid cells, which have shown promise for even higher power conversion efficiency during the recent years.

Organic semiconductors (16 hours)

  • The carbon atom

o Frontier orbitals (HOMO and LUMO)

o Band width

o Density of states (DOS)

  • Charge transport

o Band-like transport
o Concept of polaron; Marcus model

o Multiple and trapping release model

o Hopping models

  • Optical properties

o Concept of exciton

o Singlet and triplet

o Energy transfer (Dexter, Förster)

  • Metal-semiconductor interface

o Energy levels in metals and organic semiconductors
o Charge injection and extraction in organic semiconductors

o Metal semiconductor diodes 

Organic photovoltaic cells (4 hours)

  • Principle of organic photovoltaics

  • Device structures; concept of Bulk Heterojunction

  • Role of morphology

  • Tandem Cells 

Chemistry of polymer semiconductors (8 hours)

  • Conjugated polymer synthesis

o History of metal catalyzed coupling reaction

o Mechanism of the metal catalyzed Coupling Reaction

o Mechanism of the Stille coupling reaction

o Mechanism of the Suzuki coupling reaction

o GRIM polymerization, living polymerization
o Catalytic Systems, Ligand Effect, Solvent effect
o Type of monomers
o Example of Functional conjugated polymers 

  • Materials for OPV
    o Materials development

    o Hole transporting materials
    o Electron transporting materials, polymer and fullerene 

Dye-sensitized and perovskite-based cells (4 hours)

  • Working principle

  • Material design 

Economic aspects of organic photovoltaics (4 hours)

  • Review of the industrial groups involved
  • Analysis of the industrial profitability 

Examination and requirements for final grade 

The evaluation of the students will consist of a final written exam. 

Coordinator Instructors 

Gilles HOROWITZ, Ecole polytechnique

Gaël ZUCCHI 

Langue du cours : Anglais


Credits ECTS : 4

Format des notes

Numérique sur 20

Littérale/grade réduit

Pour les étudiants du diplôme Renewable Energy, Science and Technology

Le rattrapage est autorisé
    L'UE est acquise si note finale transposée >= C
    • Crédits ECTS acquis : 4 ECTS

    Pour les étudiants du diplôme Energy Environment : Science Technology & Management

    Le rattrapage est autorisé
      L'UE est acquise si note finale transposée >= C
      • Crédits ECTS acquis : 4 ECTS
      Veuillez patienter