Electrical Screening of Novel Organic Semiconductors for Photovoltaic Devices

This proposal represents a proposed collaboration between Prof. Peter J. Skabara from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and Dr. Paul A. Lane of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C. We request funds for Dr Lane to spend a three-week period at the University of Strathclyde to rapidly establish expertise in the fabrication and characterisation of organic solar cell devices. The proposal takes advantage of the synthetic capabilities of the Skabara group and the experience of Dr. Lane in the characterisation of organic opto-electronic devices. Due to the high number of available compounds and polymers developed in the Skabara group, it has become important to perform in-house screening of materials for organic photovoltaic (OPV) applications. The Strathclyde group has established a device fabrication facility consisting of two modular glove boxes, which house a spin coater, evaporator system and solar simulator. Establishing a good track record in device fabrication and testing would be greatly accelerated by the visit of Dr Paul Lane. In the proposed programme of work, Dr Lane would work alongside key members of the Skabara group, studying a range of new materials and training the researchers in OPV device work.

The proposed visit will rapidly establish good working practice for the charaterisation of organic solar cell devices. Our academic and industrial partners will benefit by our ability to target lead materials quickly and effectively. We will also benefit through the screening of all new OPV materials made in the Skabara group, ensuring that a wide range of materials will be scrutinised. The UK academic community stands to benefit from an increased publication output in new materials for OPVs, whilst industry will benefit from the potential availability of a wider range of promising materials. The OPV theme has a strong potential to benefit society, by providing a useful renewable energy technology that will fit well alongside other existing technologies.