A Continuum Model for Morphology Formation from Interacting Ternary Mixtures
The complex patterns generated by interacting particle mixtures play a key role in the design and efficiency of organic solar cells. Is it possible to develop a continuum model which accurately describes physical interactions of the particle system to simulate this pattern (morphology) formation?
![Phase Separation](/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2023-02/Phase_Separation_Evap_m_c0_08_alpha01.gif?itok=pt7uEUgt)
We are interested in exploring the capability of interacting mixtures of populations of particles, typically two different solutes mixed within a solvent, to allow for phase separation while the solvent evaporates. In particular, we have in mind two specific materials science applications: the formation of internal morphologies for organic solar cells; and the formation of rubber–based zones in acrylate environments related to the design of thin adhesive bands. Our main questions are as follows:
- How can one construct a continuum model which describes the interaction and evaporation processes?
- For which initial conditions, if any, does the model allow for morphology formation?
- How do the patterns of the morphologies relate to the patterns seen in lab experiments and in previously established stochastic models?
- How do these morphologies change over time?
- What mathematical properties can we expect from the solutions of the model?
We study these question both from a numerical and an analytical perspective.
This work is the result of funding from the Carl Tryggers Foundation for Scientific Research (grant nr. CTS 21:1656).
![Boxes4_Morph](/files/styles/gallery_image/public/2023-02/Boxes04_Morph.png?itok=MDISjYSZ)
![Phase Separation](/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2023-02/Phase_Separation_Evap_m_c0_08_alpha01.gif?itok=pt7uEUgt)