Improved Fullerenes for OPV

The conversion efficiencies of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are limited by their poor response in the red and infrared parts of the solar spectrum. While existing OPVs could be thickened to absorb more photons, this practice would decrease device efficiency by requiring the charge carriers to travel further before getting to an electrode. New materials that absorb more strongly in the red are needed to overcome this conundrum. This project will investigate the use of a new fullerene material (similar to fullerenes used in existing OPV devices) which absorbs far more strongly into the red and infrared parts of the spectrum. In Phase I, the new fullerene will be incorporated into small solar cells. The usefulness of this new material for OPV applications will be assessed by evaluating the performance of these small solar cells. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new material should have application to solar power generation.