SBIR Phase I: Novel Acceptor Materials for Organic Solar Cells

Luna Innovations, Incorporated, Blacksburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims to develop novel acceptor materials for organic solar cells in an effort to improve organic solar cell efficiencies. These molecules are based on a metal nitride surrounded by a carbon cage which allows tuning of the molecular orbitals to more closely match the donor levels in the organic solar cell. Organic solar cells have the potential for low material and production cost. The usefulness of these cells has been limited by low energy conversion efficiency. This research, if successful, will develop materials that dramatically increase the energy conversion efficiency of organic solar cells and thus lead to their successful commercialization.