A KTN Science & Technology workshop on phase separation in the manufacture of organic transistors and photovoltaics was held on 9th May 2008 at Imperial College, in London.

The aim is to develop a quantitative theory of the mechanism of phase separation of the polymer-BuckminsterFullerene blends that are used in the large volume printing of flexible thin-film solar panels: a mathematical model that predicts the phase-separation behaviour of the mixture from the physically measurable properties of the components. This understanding will enable new materials to be produced with properties designed to produced the ideal morphology from scalable processes such as ink jet printing. In particular the aim is to produce more efficient, high-volume, low-cost solar panels.

Agenda:

• 10:00 Coffee and Introductions
• 10:30 Ink jet printing of solar panels David Sparrowe/Paul Brookes (Merck Chemicals Ltd)
• 10:45 Ideal phase separation for flexible solar panels James Kirkpatrick (Imperial College)
• 11:00 Modelling of polymer-fullerene systems Jarvist Frost (Imperial College)
• 11:15 Coffee
• 11:30 Presentations from mathematical modellers (tba). Plenary discussion.
• 13:00 Lunch and further discussion
• 14:00 Split into two groups for brainstorming session
• 15:30 Draw together conclusions and final discussion
• 16:30 Finish meeting in the local ale house

For further details please contact David Allwright at the KTN and R. Hamilton at Imperial College.