Recent design strategies for polymer solar cell materials

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.