The innovation engine for new materials

Keren Freedy

Keren Freedy

Major: 

Materials Engineering

University: 

University of California, Los Angeles

Mentor(s): 

Nancy Eisenmenger

Faculty Sponsor(s): 

Michael Chabinyc

Faculty Sponsor's Department(s): 

Materials

Project Title: 

THIOL-ENE FOR FLEXIBLE ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS

Project Description: 

Flexible organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) are a low cost, lightweight alternative to conventional silicon solar cells. Thiol-ene, a polymer formed by cross-linking molecules with thiol and alkene functional groups, has potential to function as a substrate or encapsulating material for flexible OPVs due to its resistance to organic solvents and its tunable mechanical properties. Furthermore, the thiol functional groups and physical adhesive properties of thiol-ene make it an attractive stamp material for the soft-contact lamination of electrodes. In this study, we examine the electronic and optical properties of bulk heterojunction OPVs fabricated using flexible thiol-ene as both a substrate material and as a stamp for soft-contact lamination. Preliminary electronic measurements indicate that thiol-ene can be used to establish electrical contact between metal electrodes and a semiconducting polymer film using a soft contact lamination method. Spectroscopic measurements reveal near 90% transmission of UV and visible light. Based on these findings, we conclude that thiol-ene has significant potential for applications in flexible OPVs.