Recent design strategies for polymer solar cell materials

Bilby, David; Kim, Bong Gi; Kim, Jinsang

doi:10.1351/PAC-CON-10-08-23

Pure Appl. Chem., 2011, Vol. 83, No. 1, pp. 127-139

http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/PAC-CON-10-08-23

Published online 2010-11-10

Recent design strategies for polymer solar cell materials*

David Bilby¹, Bong Gi Kim² and Jinsang Kim^3,4,2,1*

¹ Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
² Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
³ Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
⁴ Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Abstract: Recent design tools for tuning the properties of conjugated polymers for efficient polymer solar cells (PSCs) are briefly reviewed. Based on limitations in the solar-to-electric energy conversion process imposed by material properties, recent research has focused on lowering the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level, reducing the bandgap, and controlling the molecular conformation and donor–acceptor phase separation. Additionally, the stability of PSCs can be improved through molecular design. Finally, a few less-conventional material design strategies for device improvement through polymer–polymer blends and triplet utilization are introduced. Molecular design has been an invaluable tool in controlling these material properties.

*Pure Appl. Chem. 83, 1–252 (2011). A collection of invited, peer-reviewed articles by former winners of the IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists, in celebration of the International Year of Chemistry 2011.