Project R-1990

Study of interface states in (ultra) nanocrystalline diamond/organic interfaces, a promising concept towards novel photovoltaics (Research)

This proposal investigates a new strategy for solar energy conversion using novel monolayers of organic molecules and their interfaces to inorganic surfaces. These interfaces will be tuned using several routes to achieve superior performances. Specifically, the project involves two materials that receive significant attention these days: electro-active organic molecules and CVD diamond. By the formation of novel organic/inorganic systems, this project will focus on the fundamental study of charge transfer mechanisms between these materials, generating knowledge that is indispensable for future novel photovoltaic solar cells, molecular switches and other electro-active optical components. The realization of photovoltaic devices, based on the dye-sensitized solar cell concept, will be envisaged. It is the intention of the project to investigate and utilize diamond as a platform for stable dye anchoring, with efficient solar absorbers as a result. Moreover, it has been shown that boron doped synthetic diamond can reach very high conductivities. In combination with its transparant properties, diamond is a promising material to replace the currently used and expensive tin doped indium oxide based transparent electrodes. This projects aims at optimizing the dopant concentration and growing conditions of nanocrystalline diamond films to achieve highly conductive electrode materials with an optimized crystallinity. Lastly, since B-doped diamond has the widest electrochemical potential window of all known materials, its catalytic activity will be investigated to be used as active cathode in dye sensitized solar cells. In conclusion, diamond is a material with excellent optical and electrical properties that is promising to achieve new breakthroughs in solar cell technology.

01 October 2009 - 31 May 2012