The intermolecular charge transfer integral as an indicator of future success in organic photovoltaics(Conference Presentation)

In recent years, higher power conversion efficiencies have been measured using push-pull or Donor-Acceptor (D-A) type compounds designed to specifically address bandgap and energy level requirements. Yet, a strong prescription is fundamentally lacking that improves materials for the set of all critical properties (including exciton diffusion rate and charge transport/ mobility) that combine to provide optimal performance. We will present our newest theoretical models that simulate the morphology-based spectroscopy for a series of squaraines, compounds representative of the total set of D-A type OPV-targets. The theory will describe how morphological and molecular structure influences i) the absorption spectrum, ii) the excited states and iii) the intermolecular charge transfer integral (ICTI). In particular, the ICTI's role in exciton diffusion and carrier mobility will be explored. Using device data that correlates with the ICTI variation, we will explain how this parameter must be considered in future design of new easily-purified, consistently processable, low-band-gap small molecules targeted for large scale OPV manufacture.