Despite recent emergence of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) enabling 15% and 17% efficient single-junction and tandem organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, respectively, the performance of state-of-the-art OPV devices remains below the theoretical limit due to low photovoltaic parameters (Jsc, Voc, and FF). My research will address these challenges by (1) investigating ternary blends composed of a new class of NFAs synthesized in our lab and (2) developing tandem OPV devices with enhanced efficiency and Voc. With the promising efficiency (10.8%) and Voc (1.04V) from binary blends, the ternary blends of these new NFAs are expected to further enhance Jsc and FF due to better charge generation and charge transport. Tandem architecture design and interface engineering will be applied to maximize photon utilization, reduce energy loss, and tailor surface defects to improve efficiency above 20%. This project will enable paths toward the thermodynamic limit of devices and low-cost grid integration of renewable energy.
Advisor: Samson A. Jenekhe – Chemical Engineering