Title:  Physics and Engineering of Organic Solar Cells Electrically P-Type Doped with Phosphomolybdic Acid

Committee: 

Dr. Kippelen, Advisor   

Dr. Ansari, Chair

Dr. Silva Acuna

Abstract:

The objective of the proposed research is to simplify the fabrication of organic solar cells and limit their environmental impact. On the one hand, the work focuses on enhancing a technique pioneered at Georgia Tech that simplifies the fabrication of organic solar cells through spatially confined solution-based electrical p-type doping of organic semiconductors. The technique was demonstrated to reduce heterogeneous interfaces in organic solar cells, enhancing carrier injection at an interface similar to a p-i-n inorganic solar cell. Yet, the method relied strictly on a solvent that is readily capable of detonation, explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Thus, the work that follows demonstrates an updated version that is stable in air and produces as-efficient doping. Furthermore, the proposed research dives into the physics behind the doping mechanism, in an effort to increase the scope of applications to state-of-the-art organic materials and extend its use to other organic optoelectronic systems. On the other hand, this work acknowledges that if organic solar cells are envisioned to reach large scale manufacturing, their environmental impact should be reduced. Thus, this research proposes a redesigned substrate using mostly biodegradable materials which is compatible with roll-to-roll processing. These efforts are intended to increase the availability of light-weight, rollable and potentially low-cost portable power systems using low-energy-budget processing and recyclable or fully biodegradable materials.