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| Reference Number | UKRI915 | |
| Title | Understanding Exciton Dynamics Under Device Operation Conditions: Towards the Breakthrough of Organic Electronics | |
| Status | Started | |
| Energy Categories | Energy Efficiency (Residential and commercial) 50%; Renewable Energy Sources (Solar Energy, Photovoltaics) 50%; |
|
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Paloma Lays dos Santos University of Sheffield |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 01 October 2025 | |
| End Date | 01 October 2028 | |
| Duration | 36 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £545,448 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Unknown | |
| Region | Yorkshire & Humberside | |
| Programme | NC : ICT | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Paloma Lays dos Santos , University of Sheffield |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | Organic (carbon-based) semiconductors are leading to a more sustainable future in electronics. What sets organic based electronics apart is their cost-effective production through easy-to-use printing methods. They are also mechanically flexible and lightweight, making them ideal for unconventional device shapes. Additionally, these devices can be energy efficient, contributing to reducing power consumption, aligning with the goals of a sustainable energy landscape. The applications of organic electronics are diverse, including energy-efficient displays and low-cost photovoltaics for renewable energy generation. I specialise in optical spectroscopy and device physics of organic semiconductors. In my approach to research, I believe that merely understanding the potential of a molecule in isolation is insufficient. It is crucial to consider the context of the molecule within its environment and the diverse behaviours relevant to the timescales and energy-scales present in a functioning device. By integrating these considerations into opto-electronic models, we can facilitate more effective material and device design, thereby optimising their performance and functionality. Although organic based devices are already successfully incorporated into commercial products such as Samsung smartphones and LG TVs, their full potential remains untapped. For example, we have yet to develop stable blue high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or electrically driven organic lasers. These advancements are hindered by a fundamental lack of understanding of exciton (electron and hole pair) dynamics within operational devices. Current research relies on photoexcitation (light) to probe exciton dynamics, which explains very well exciton dynamics in thin films. However, this method does not fully replicate true device operating conditions. The discrepancy arises because the excited states generated in electronic devices differ significantly from those induced via photoexcitation, primarily due to variations in the spin of the excitons generated. Therefore, a paradigm shift is needed in the study of exciton dynamics to unlock the potential of organic based devices. My proposed project will develop exciton dynamics models under actual device operational conditions and link these to performance and degradation of organic based devices. The project will study OLEDs using a novel device characterization methodology and currently available electro-optical techniques to unravel fast processes occurring in devices. The primary scientific outcome is to uncover key insights into how organic based devices operate. This involves understanding the mechanisms of exciton generation and emission in OLEDs. Specifically, I aim to obtain critical exciton parameters such as spin, energy, efficiency, and lifetime directly from the devices. By analysing these parameters and assessing their effects on OLED performance metrics (like efficiency, colour purity, and lifespan)we will be able to establish new guidelines for designing materials and devices. Moreover, this program will delve into device engineering methods for controlling exciton degradation mechanisms, which must be mitigated to realise significant breakthroughs in the field, such as stable blue high-performance OLEDs and electrically driven organic lasers. These achievements will impact direct industrial applications, especially in the development of displays that consume less power. Finally, I highlight that grasping the fundamentals of these emitting devices will yield broader implications for other organic based technologies. For example, sustainable organic solar panels currently face challenges on reducing non-radiative charge and exciton recombination which is critical to achieving high-performance conversion from light to electricity. This project holds the potential to ultimately understand this obstacle, promising advancements in the realm of solar energy technology as well | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 07/01/26 | |
