Plastic Solar Cells

Abstract

Recent developments in conjugated-polymer-based photovoltaic elements are reviewed. The photophysics of such photoactive devices is based on the photo-induced charge transfer from donor-type semiconducting conjugated polymers to acceptor-type conjugated polymers or acceptor molecules such as Buckminsterfullerene, C 60 . This photo-induced charge transfer is reversible, ultrafast (within 100 fs) with a quantum efficiency approaching unity, and the charge-separated state is metastable (up to milliseconds at 80 K). Being similar to the first steps in natural photosynthesis, this photo-induced electron transfer leads to a number of potentially interesting applications, which include sensitization of the photoconductivity and photovoltaic phenomena. Examples of photovoltaic architectures are presented and their potential in terrestrial solar energy conversion discussed. Recent progress in the realization of improved photovoltaic elements with 3 % power conversion efficiency is reported.

Charge-Transporting Molecular Glasses

“…Organic solar cells have been recently reviewed. [131,132] Commercially realistic efficiencies have been achieved in solar cells based on dye-sensitized mesomorphous films of TiO 2 . [133] The device contains a 10 lm-thick, optically transparent film of titanium dioxide particles of a few nanometers in size, coated with a monolayer of a charge-transfer ruthenium complex to sensitize the film for light harvesting.…”

Semiconducting Polymer Nanospheres in Aqueous Dispersion Prepared by a Miniemulsion Process

“…Solid layers of conjugated polymers have been successfully included as active layers into various electrical and electrooptical devices such as light-emitting diodes, [1] solar cells, [2] and field-effect transistors. [3] In the majority of cases, these layers have been deposited from solutions of the polymers in organic solvents.…”

Prospects for conversion of solar energy into chemical fuels: the concept of a solar fuels industry

“…Most ongoing solar energy research is focused on direct conversion to electricity, by way of photovoltaic devices [8][9][10], or to high-temperature heat, via solar thermal procedures [11]. Cost-effectiveness and conversion efficiencies are of major importance but so too is storage.…”