Publication date: 17th February 2025
Polycyclic aromatic molecules, especially perylene diimide based dyes, are widely used as electronic materials in photovoltaic devices.1 Our team at the University of Calgary within the department of chemistry has been actively developing modified perylene diimides for use in a range of solution processed electronic devices including organic solar cells,2 organic light emitting diodes,3 transistors and sensors,4 electrochromic films,5 and photo/electro cathodes.6 This presentation will detail the design and synthesis of several classes of modified perylene diimides for specific use in large area organic photovoltaic devices and modules, primarily as cathode interlayers in both conventional and inverted type cells, but also as non-fullerene acceptors. Structure-property relationships, the formation of functional large area films via slot-die coating using green solvents, and utility both small area devices and flexible modules will be discussed. Applications as indoor light recycling devices and integration into operational greenhouses will be touched on.