Making new n-type materials for bulk-heterojunction solar cells (BHJ) can be achieved by simply modifying the fullerene framework, say scientists in Japan.
Looking at LUMO and charge-density of modified fullerene
The BHJ solar cells may be an alternative to conventional silicon-based solar cells, if the low power conversion efficiency can be overcome. Yasujiro Murata and colleagues from Kyoto University have shown that structurally manipulating the C60 skeleton is a promising approach for creating better acceptor materials for BHJ solar cells. This new approach means that the team can effectively control the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of the C60 pi-system, resulting in a clear improvement in open-circuit voltage – a promising development.
Fancy finding out more? Then download the ChemComm communication, which will be free to access until the 15th July 2011.
