Functional Polymer Systems
The Functional Polymer Systems (FPS) Technology Area performs research on polymers and their prototype devices that are capable of an electrical, optical, magnetic, ionic or photo-switching function and that offer potential for industrial applications. Therefore the FPS research programme is structured along application lines in the following subprogrammes: polymer lighting and field effect transistors, polymers for information and communication technology, solar cells (photovoltaics), and responsive materials, sensors and actuators. At the beginning of 2009 the Technology Area renewed its research strategy, providing openings for other industrial applications.
Subprogrammes
Polymer lighting and field-effect transistors
The aim of this theme is to gain a thorough fundamental understanding of materials behaviour under operational device conditions. Based on this fundamental knowledge breakthroughs in device performance are anticipated. Additionally new materials are explored for significant improvement of efficiency (lm/W) in polymer lighting applications. The research focuses on understanding materials and device performance, photo-physics and charge transport of white emitting polymer blends, mobility improvements, and the influence of self-assembled monolayers on device performance. This theme strongly supports interdisciplinary research projects between materials scientists, photo-physicists and device physicists.
Polymers for information and communication technology
The objective of the sub-area is the structuring of polymers on the nano- and micro-scale via ‘top-down’ approaches combined with ‘bottom-up’ techniques based on e.g. self-assembly or supramolecular chemistry. In this way new or strongly enhanced properties for optical, electrical and biomedical applications should be generated.
Photovoltaics
The aim of this theme is to explore new materials and develop a fundamental understanding of all (photo-) physical processes occurring in the third generation photovoltaic (PV) technology, namely polymer bulk heterojunction PV. Besides many other PV technologies, polymer PV holds strong potential for large area cost effective PV for sustainable energy production on the long term. The research focuses on novel low band-gap materials, nonradiative decay processes, efficient charge separation, morphology control and thorough fundamental understanding of materials behaviour under operational device conditions. The ultimate goal of this theme is the significant improvement of polymer PV devices up to the level ready for commercialisation, at first instance for powering small consumer applications.
Responsive materials, sensors and actuators
The aim of this theme is to develop new materials and processes that result in a response and/or large displacements upon an external electrical, magnetic, optical and/or chemical trigger. Furthermore, new materials and devices for selective sensoring gases, time-temperature, bio fluids, etc. are targeted and, last but not least, actuating principles of rubber-like materials and corresponding devices are explored.
