Perylene diimides based materials for organic solar cells

Perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid diimides (PDIs) and their derivatives represent one of the most promising class of electron accepting materials, due to their outstanding chemical and physical properties, including high electron mobility and high molar absorption coefficients. Their rigid, fused aromatic core favours π–π intermolecular interactions imparting n-type semiconducting properties useful for optoelectronic applications. The PDIs have attracted interest as photovoltaic functional materials for their strong electron-accepting character and significant charge transport properties. This feature article describes the application of PDI based molecules and polymers in organic photovoltaic solar cells.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Perylene diimides are excellent candidates as n-type material for solar cells. ► PDIs photophysical and redox properties can be easily tuned by chemical reactions. ► The review opens new perspectives for the improvement of photovoltaic performances.