Nowadays hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells have demonstrated efficiencies up to 12%. The best performances are usually obtained using nanostructured layers, consisting of transparent conducting oxides layers coated on glass substrates. Generally, organometallic dyes are employed for the sensitization of the oxide layers. For practical applications, the development of new solar cells, without toxic elements (such as ruthenium complexes), at low cost, and showing high photo conversion efficiencies and long term stability, is highly desirable.

In order to overcome the limitations related to the photo-conversion efficiencies and the stability, in this project we propose to develop new highly efficient and stable organic dyes. The molecules will be fully characterized using various spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The thermal and photo stability of these new organic materials will also be evaluated.

The most promising molecules will be tested in photovoltaic devices fabricated in the laboratory or in collaboration with french and foreign partners.

Within the framework of this project, the candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research environment where physicists and chemists work together in close collaboration. The candidate will have the opportunity to use advanced techniques and equipments for the realization of the project.