PCT/SG2010/000172

Institute of Materials Research and Engineering Wide-band Light Harvesting Polymers for Large Area OPVs Introduction

Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) is one of the next-generation technologies for green and sustainable energy, which can be manufactured at low cost through simple processing. The availability of inherently stable, good performance materials is crucial in enabling OPVs for various commercial applications. Low bandgap polymers are generally recognized as important for OPV applications.

Research approach

Fig 1: UV Vis Absorbance of IMRE’s Low Band-gap Polymers

• Develop low bandgap donor polymers (Eg: 1.2 -1.8 eV) to enhance light harvesting in long wavelength region • Expand the absorption spectra of the low bandgap polymers to maximize the light absorption efficiency • Choose appropriate building blocks, to facilitate molecular packing thus achieve high mobility donor polymers for high J

sc

Fill Factor OPV devices and high

OPV performance Our achievements

• Low bandgap polymers have wide absorption bands • Consistently high PCEs >6% have been demonstrated with our novel polymers • Large area coatings for practical devices • Non-halogen solvent processable

Fig 2: Comparison of IMRE’s low bandgap polymer with P3HT as active layer in OPV testing.

Al Al PEDOT: PSS

Fig 3: Large area OPV coatings

IMRE Mater: PCBM

ITO:Glass

P3HT:PBCM IMRE Mater: PBCM

J

sc

: 12.33 mA/cm

2

V

oc

: 0.751 V FF: 0.694

PCE: 6.43%

3 Research Link, Singapore 117602 Email: [email protected] Website: www.imre.a-star.edu.sg

Tel: (65) 6874 8111 Fax: (65) 6872 0785

Spet 2009