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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S62628/01
Title: Efficient photovoltaic materials
Principal Investigator: Samuel, Professor I
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of St Andrews
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 May 2004 Ends: 30 April 2006 Value (£): 121,870
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing Solar Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics Energy
Related Grants:
GR/S62635/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project aims to develop improved photovoltaic materials. Instead of using materials optimised for electroluminescence, it will focus on conjugated polymers prepared by precursor routes. This approach gives denser films which therefore have stronger absorption and better charge transporting properties. We will use a combination the expertise of the applicants in polymer synthesis, materials characterisation, photophysical and device studies to develop an understanding of materials and device operation which will guide the development of improved materials. Promising materials will be studied in a range of device structures including nanocomposite devices consisting of the polymer impregnated into porous titanium dioxide. This is analogous to the well-known Gratzel cell, but with the crucial advantage of being an all solid state device. The use of non-conjugated precursor polymers is expected to make impregnation of the titanium dioxide more effective than for conventional soluble conjugated polymers. Finally, as triplets can diffuse much further than singlets, we will explore whether phosphorescent polymers can give improved photovoltaic performance.
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Organisation Website: http://www.st-and.ac.uk