Symposium ES18—Frontiers in Organic Photovoltaics
In recent years, organic photovoltaics (OPV) have undergone a dramatic transformation that has challenged established limitations. Advances in large-scale processing, improvements in stability, and the realization of enhanced mechanical properties have been matched by significant increases in device efficiency and greater understanding of morphology. Much of this surge in performance has been driven by new materials development. Specifically, non-fullerene acceptors have opened the door to higher efficiency regimes due to the reduction of voltage losses. A number of fundamental challenges are the focus of current research and will be the subject of this symposium. Loss mechanisms still prevent OPV from achieving their ultimate potential. Understanding loss mechanisms and translation of fundamental principles to the next generation of donor and acceptor components is critical. Also, control over morphology from the bulk to the level of interfaces is essential for optimal charge generation, transport, and the mitigation of recombination. Advances in fundamental insights into the influence of morphology at all levels on device function and techniques (including new materials development) to control morphology are required. Also, the development of the new active and interface materials applicable to eco-friendly solution processing is essential to transfer the current lab-scale research to a commercially-compatible fabrication process. Finally, integration of these new insights into the scalable fabrication of stable solar cells with advanced function (e.g. stretchable or transparent) will propel the field forward. The aim of this symposium is to gather leading researchers to share important recent advances critical for the next wave of breakthroughs.