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Published on: October 18, 2018
Photochromic organic solar cells based on diarylethenes
Bart W H Saes1, Martijn M Wienk1, René A J Janssen1,2
1Molecular Materials and Nanosystems, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands r.a.j.janssen@tue.nl.
Photochromic photovoltaic devices change color and efficiency when exposed to UV light. This innovation could lead to advanced smart windows with tunable optical properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photovoltaics
- Organic Electronics
Background:
- Photochromic materials change color upon light exposure.
- Smart windows require tunable optical properties.
- Ternary blends offer enhanced photovoltaic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photochromic photovoltaic device using a diarylethene sensitizer.
- To investigate the effect of UV light on device color, absorption, and efficiency.
- To explore applications in smart window technology.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a ternary bulk heterojunction blend with poly(4-butylphenyldiphenylamine) (poly-TPD) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM).
- Incorporation of a photochromic diarylethene molecule as a sensitizer.
- Characterization of device performance under varying illumination conditions.
Main Results:
- The photovoltaic device exhibited photochromism, changing color upon UV illumination.
- Light absorption spectra were altered by UV exposure.
- Photon-to-electron conversion efficiency varied with illumination, demonstrating tunable performance.
- The device showed reversible changes in the visible spectral range.
Conclusions:
- Diarylethene-sensitized ternary blends are effective for creating photochromic photovoltaic devices.
- These devices offer tunable optical and electronic properties for smart window applications.
- The photochromic behavior enables dynamic control over light absorption and energy conversion.
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