EU: Interface-Control for Organic Devices (ICONTROL)

The ICONTROL project relates to the field of organic (opto-) electronic devices, such as light emitting diodes, photovoltaic cells, field effect transistors, memory cells, sensors, and combinations thereof. We address the key components that determine device functionality and efficiency, i.e., the inherently existing interfaces between dissimilar materials in devices. The objectives of the project are Development of universal modification schemes for interfaces involving conjugated organic materials to achieve an unprecedented level of interface control. Demonstration of applicability of these schemes in devices. Transfer of these schemes to industrially relevant processing. Generation of new insight into interfaces comprising organic materials, to provide a solid foundation for the future development of molecular electronics.
Specifically, our schemes will allow for systematic and continuous adjustment of energy levels at virtually all interfaces, in order to provide: optimized charge injection/extraction barriers at organic/electrode interfaces, optimized energy level offsets at organic/organic interfaces.
Here, electrode materials include metals and transparent conductive oxides. Organic/organic interfaces include homo- and heterojunctions. Preparation of ICONTROL interfaces includes vacuum sublimation and solution-based processing techniques.