ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAICS: CHEMISTRY BEHIND EFFICIENT SOLAR CELLS

Abstract

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have emerged as a transformative class of solar energy devices, leveraging π-conjugated organic molecules to convert sunlight into electricity. This paper presents an in-depth review of the chemical principles underpinning the efficiency of OPVs, focusing on molecular engineering of donor–acceptor systems, morphology control, interfacial chemistry, and charge dynamics. The synthesis of high-performance polymers, non-fullerene acceptors, and interface stabilizers are discussed in the context of device architecture improvements and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Recent breakthroughs in ternary blend systems, tandem structures, and green solvent processing offer promising directions for scalable and sustainable OPV technologies. This review integrates molecular insights with materials science to elucidate the pathways toward high-efficiency and stable organic solar cells.

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have emerged as a transformative class of solar energy devices, leveraging π-conjugated organic molecules to convert sunlight into electricity. This paper presents an in-depth review of the chemical principles underpinning the efficiency of OPVs, focusing on molecular engineering of donor–acceptor systems, morphology control, interfacial chemistry, and charge dynamics. The synthesis of high-performance polymers, non-fullerene acceptors, and interface stabilizers are discussed in the context of device architecture improvements and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Recent breakthroughs in ternary blend systems, tandem structures, and green solvent processing offer promising directions for scalable and sustainable OPV technologies. This review integrates molecular insights with materials science to elucidate the pathways toward high-efficiency and stable organic solar cells.