Synthesis of polymers and copolymers for application in organic solar cells

New block copolymers are expected to play a role in the development of highly stable, large-scale organic solar cells (OSCs). In ESTABLIS, the PhD Fellow will have the aim of developing new block copolymer materials for OSCs and will investigate their nanoscale behaviour using x-ray scattering, AFM and Electron Microscopy. This work will be carried out primarily using polymer and organic chemistry to target optimised structures. The fellow will join the ESTABLIS team and will be actively integrated into a multi-partner European project.


The successful candidate will synthesise new copolymers with physical and opto-electronic properties during her/his 26 months at the Host institution in Aston. Essential co-hosting (8 months) at Hereaus (Germany) will provide an industrial setting for the fellow to produce small scale OSC devices using her/his own materials produced at Aston. A one month placement at Merck (UK) and a month secondment at Pau (France) to develop conductive polymers will also be undertaken to complete the multi-disciplinary training of the Fellow.


The Fellow will thus receive complete and coherent training in synthesis, through nanoscale phase behaviour (using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques), to solar cell device manufacture to construct a well-sought after CV for future employment in polymer synthesis and design in academia or industry.