Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2025 Conference (MATSUSSpring25)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.matsusspring.2025.554
Publication date: 16th December 2024
Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have rapidly improved in efficiency, with single-junction cells now exceeding 19% efficiency. These improvements have been driven by the adoption of new non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) and the fine tuning of their molecular structures. Although OPVs are highly efficient, they often show extremely poor operational stability, primarily owing to the complex interplay between the morphological instability of the blended bulk heterojunction photoactive layers and the intrinsically poor photostability of the organic semiconductor materials themselves. To realize commercialization, it is vital to understand the degradation mechanisms of these organic materials to improve their stability [1]. Efficiency increases have, in part, been driven by the rational molecular design of materials. In this talk, I will discuss key molecular design parameters and show how each parameter impacts different degradation pathways with a particular focus on NFA molecular planarity, rigidity, and end groups [2-4] and polymers [5]. I will also discuss the impact of morphological and photochemical instabilities on OPV device stability. The fundamental understanding of the molecular origin of OPV stability is a key research theme for next-generation OPVs.