Dithienogermole-based solution-processed molecular solar cells with efficiency over 9.

A molecular donor of intermediate dimensions based on dithienogermole (DTG) as the central electron rich unit, coded as DTG(FBT2Th2)2, was designed and synthesized for use in bulk heterojunction, solution-processed organic solar cells. Under optimized conditions, a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.1% can be achieved with [6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as the acceptor semiconductor component.

Topological considerations for the design of molecular donors with multiple absorbing units.

The molecule AT1, with two weakly conjugated chromophores, was designed, synthesized, and examined within the context of its film forming tendencies. While the addition of the second chromophore to the central core enables broadening of the absorption spectrum, this change is mostly apparent in films that are grown slowly. Grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) analysis indicates that these spectral characteristics correspond to an increase in solid state ordering.

Unsymmetric platinum(II) bis(aryleneethynylene) complexes as photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells.

Four new unsymmetric platinum(II) bis(aryleneethynylene) derivatives have been designed and synthesized, which showed good light-harvesting capabilities for application as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The absorption, electrochemical, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), impedance spectroscopic, and photovoltaic properties of these platinum(II)-based sensitizers have been fully characterized. The optical and TD-DFT studies show that the incorporation of a strongly electron-donating group significantly enhances the absorption abilities of the complexes.