The
generation of electron–hole radical pair at the active
layer of organic photovoltaics through symmetry-breaking charge separation
(SB-CS) has a crucial role in enhancing open-circuit voltage (V
oc) and thereby increasing power conversion
efficiency. Since the SB-CS materials achieve intramolecular charge
separation with a negligible energetic driving force and decelerated
charge recombination (CR) rate, SB-CS has been subjected to extensive
experimental and theoretical studies. This Focus Review assesses the
fundamentals of photosynthetic reaction centers, especially the “special
pair”, and discusses how covalent control over the geometric
arrangement, surrounding dielectric medium, and substitutions on multichromophoric
perylenediimide architecture affects the energy landscape of SB-CS
and CR. We systematically summarize the kinetically favored undesirable
radiative and non-radiative deactivation channels of SB-CS and CR
processes on diverse chromophoric arrangements. Here, we suggest new
rational design principles to fine-tune the electron-transfer dynamics
at the molecular level to improve the performance of light–energy
conversion devices.