The objective of OPvTech is to identify novel materials, inorganic nanoparticles and quantum dots with high potential in hybrid Organic Photovoltaic cells. When promising candidates have been selected, research is directed towards better performance, higher operational stability and easier, faster and lower cost production. There is strong interaction between this project and the SBO’s absCIGS and weTCOat.

The focus of the ICON project "OPvTECH" is on:

• Incorporating inorganic nanoparticles in organic semi-conducting layers to broaden the absorption spectrum and boost Organic PhotoVoltaic (OPV) cell efficienties
• Investigating other concepts such as interactions of additives with an organic matrix
• Printed Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) materials that are compatible with OPV systems.

Objectives are:

• To achieve higher efficiency OPV modules (efficiency > 7%) by controlling morphology over time and increasing the solar spectrum absorption (by incorporating Quantum Dots)
• To reduce cost of the modules by developing printable solutions for TCO's

Challenges of this project:

• Achieving stable dispersions of inorganic nanoparticles or quantum dots for hybrid solar cells
• Achieving deposition and annealing of hybrid layers allowing in-line processing
• Formulation of TCO inks and fluids with optimal properties on rigid substrates
• Achieving appropriate interface between the TCO and the hybrid active layer