PNA-directed assembly of metal complex-based polymers for charge transport applications in hybrid solar cells

This fellowship will take a new direction in metal complex hole transporting materials design, by implementing conductive polymers based on redox active metal complex repeating units fabricated via peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-directed assembly. These new materials will be applied to hybrid (with a focus on perovskite) solar cells, to address stability concerns (often derived from the characteristics of the hole transporter) and boost the performance of these emerging systems. This project will study for the first time this class of materials in the field of photovoltaic. The combination of good redox properties, high conductivity, and stability typical of metal complexes and polymers in a single, outstanding compound will solve the long-term stability issue of hybrid solar cells, while retaining high efficiency. The use of PNA as a guiding template for polymer synthesis will provide a fine control over the length of the polymer with high reproducibility. The development of efficient solar cells is key to promote society’s transition towards renewable energy production, which is a top priority both at European level and worldwide. The fellow has experience in material design and synthesis aimed to photovoltaics applications, with a particular focus on metal complexes, and in device fabrication. His current skills, coupled with the new knowledge that he will acquire in polymer synthesis, and in new material and surface characterisation techniques, will ensure a positive outcome for the fellowship. During the proposed research work, the fellow will gain new scientific, personal development and professional skills, which will enable his mid-term carrier goal of establishing a successful research group at a competitive European institution.