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Lucy J. F. Hart

Publications and source records attributed to Lucy J. F. Hart.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Quantum dynamic simulation of triplet formation in an effective model of Y6 (BTP-4F)

We construct a five-state model for photoexcitation in Y6 (BTP-4F) dimers, and then solve the non-adiabtic dynamics using the Hierarchical Equations of Motion (HEOM) method. We find that triplets are populated mainly via a transiently excited \textit{intermolecular} charge-transfer singlet to triplet Frenkel exciton route; this route is not available to the monomer. Analysis of one-particle transition density matrices suggests that the charge-transfer states are spatially distinct to the Frenkel exciton states, indicating that the large spin-orbit-coupling for this transition is due to it being permitted by an associated change in orbital character. Aggregation in Y6 therefore directly enables fast and high-yield intersystem crossing. We selenise our model dimers, significantly enhancing spin-orbit-coupling, which then accelerates this charge-transfer mediated route. Looking forwards to simulations on larger aggregates, we show that, though Marcus theory gives qualitatively correct dynamics, the long-time yields are incorrect due to it missing quantum recurrences. Instead, we show that the recently developed memory-kernel projector\cite{Gestsson2025-ez} method can produce semi-classical rates directly from the HEOM equations which lead to quantitatively correct dynamics and yields.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

More is Different: Mobile Ions Improve the Design Tolerances of Perovskite Solar Cells

Many recent advances in metal halide perovskite solar cell (PSC) performance are attributed to surface treatments which passivate interfacial trap states, minimise charge recombination and boost photovoltages. Surprisingly, these photovoltages exceed the cells' built-in potentials, often with large energetic offsets reported between the perovskite and transport layer semiconductor band edges - contradicting standard photovoltaic design principles. Here we show that this tolerance to energetic offsets results from mixed ionic/electronic conduction in the perovskite layer. Combining drift-diffusion simulations with experiments probing the current-voltage performance of PSCs as a function of ion distribution, we demonstrate that electrostatic redistribution of ionic charge reduces surface recombination currents at steady-state, increasing the photovoltage by tens to hundreds of millivolts. Thus, mobile ions can reduce the sensitivity of photovoltage to energetic misalignments at perovskite/transport layer interfaces, benefitting overall efficiency. Building on these insights, we show how photovoltaic design principles are modified to account for mobile ions.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Understanding the Role of Triplet-triplet Annihilation in Non-fullerene Acceptor Organic Solar Cells

Non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have enabled power conversion efficiencies exceeding 19% in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the open-circuit voltage of OSCs remains low relative to their optical gap due to excessive non-radiative recombination, and this now limits performance. Here, we consider an important aspect of OSC design, namely management of the triplet exciton population formed after non-geminate charge recombination. By comparing the blends PM6:Y11 and PM6:Y6, we show that the greater crystallinity of the NFA domains in PM6:Y11 leads to a higher rate of triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA). We attribute this to the four times larger ground state dipole moment of Y11 versus Y6, which improves the long range NFA out-of-plane ordering. Since TTA converts a fraction of the non-emissive triplet states into bright singlet states, it has the potential to reduce non-radiative voltage losses. Through a kinetic analysis of the recombination processes under 1-Sun illumination, we provide a framework for determining the conditions under which TTA may improve OSC performance. If these could be satisfied, TTA has the potential to reduce non-radiative voltage losses by up to several tens of mV and could thus improve OSC performance.

physics.app-ph↗