Courses Taught

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to polymer science and engineering in the context of semiconducting and optoelectronic applications. It emphasises the structure-property relationships of organic semiconductors and their role in next-generation electronic devices. Students will learn the fundamental principles of semiconductors, with a particular focus on the unique properties, processing methods, and applications of organic materials.

Fundamentals of Polymers - Classification, synthesis, molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, and morphology. Electroactive Polymers - Conjugated polymers, doping mechanisms, electrical and optical properties. Organic Semiconductor Physics - Crystal structure, π-π stacking, energy band diagrams, charge carrier generation and transport, excitons, heterojunctions, and diode characteristics. Fabrication Techniques - Solution processing (spin coating, inkjet printing, spray coating), thermal evaporation, soft lithography, and patterning.

Device Architectures and Applications:

• Organic photovoltaics (OPVs): Bulk heterojunctions, tandem cells, perovskite-organic hybrids.
• Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs): Working principles, colour tuning, efficiency enhancement.
• Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) and logic circuits.
• Organic/bio hybrid sensors: Chemical, biological, and environmental monitoring.

Characterisation Techniques - Optical spectroscopy (UV-Vis, PL), electrical measurements (I-V, CV), morphological and structural analysis (AFM). Stability and Degradation - Environmental factors, encapsulation methods, WVTR-OTR, accelerated ageing studies. Emerging Trends - Flexible and wearable electronics, bio-integrated devices, sustainable/green electronics, printable large-area devices. Case Studies and Recent Advances - Review of landmark publications, industrial applications, and market trends.

Grading:

• Research Paper / Problem Identification: 25%
• Midterm Exam: 35%
• Final Exam: 40%

Suggested reading:

• Handbook of Conducting Polymers Third Edition: CONJUGATED POLYMERS THEORY, SYNTHESIS, PROPERTIES, AND CHARACTERIZATION Edited by Terje A. Skotheim and John R. Reynolds, CRC Press.
• Handbook of Conducting Polymers Third Edition: CONJUGATED POLYMERS PROCESSING AND APPLICATIONS Edited by Terje A. Skotheim and John R. Reynolds, CRC Press.
• Organic Photovoltaics: Mechanisms, Materials, and Devices by Sam-Shajing Sun, Niyazi Serdar Sariciftci, CRC Press.
• Semiconductor Physics and Devices: Basic Principles by Donald A. Neamen, McGraw Hill Publications.

This course covers manufacturing and packaging strategies for Silicon, Perovskite, and Thin-Film PV modules, preparing students for careers in PV R&D and industrial production.

Module 1: Industrial Solar Cells - From Lab to Fab Covers key differences between lab-scale and commercial PV manufacturing. Topics include Crystalline Silicon processes (ingot growth, wafering, doping, module assembly), Thin-Film techniques (CVD, sputtering, encapsulation), and scalable Perovskite/Tandem PV processes addressing stability and integration.

Module 2: Deposition, Solution Processing & Doping Techniques

• Deposition: CVD, sputtering, co-evaporation, inkjet printing (thin-film); spin, blade, slot-die, vapour deposition (perovskites).
• Large-Area Processing: Scalable coating methods (slot-die, inkjet) for perovskite/tandem modules; film uniformity and defect control.
• Doping & Ancillary: Boron/phosphorus diffusion (Si), alkali treatments (CIGS), perovskite tuning, metallisation, encapsulation, and reliability testing.

Module 3: Packaging & Moisture Control Explores PV module structure (cells, encapsulants, back/front sheets, junction boxes), mechanical/optical/electrical/moisture protection, and key failure modes. Covers encapsulant properties (EVA, POE, TPU), degradation, gel content, WVTR requirements, test methods (Ca-test, MOCON, CRDS), sealing challenges, and durability comparisons of glass vs. polymer sheets.

Module 4: Manufacturing Integration & Reliability Lamination parameters (temperature, vacuum, pressure, dwell), inline QC (peel, gel, thermal), edge sealing, and junction box integration for various module types (glass-glass, bifacial, flexible). Discusses defect detection (EL, IR, IV), packaging failures (delamination, yellowing, corrosion), environmental stress testing (UV, heat, humidity), and standards (IEC 61215/61730, UL 1703).

Hands-on laboratory:

• WVTR measurements (Calcium Degradation, CRDS)
• Degradation analysis under damp heat and UV
• PV module teardown for packaging layer analysis
• Utilise EL and IR imaging to detect packaging-related defects

References:

• Solar Cells: Materials, Manufacture and Operation: Edited by Tom Markvart and Luis Castner: Publisher Elsevier
• Advanced Characterisation Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells: Edited by Daniel Abou-Ras, Thomas Kirchartz, Uwe Rau
• Physics of Solar Cells: from Principles to New Concepts by Peter Wurfel: Publisher Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA
• Fundamentals of Solar Cells: Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion by Alan L Fahrenbruch and Richard H Bube: Academic Press

Prerequisites: None