Current status, challenges and future outlook of high performance polymer semiconductors for organic photovoltaics modules

Abstract Organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules have currently reached power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of approximately 5% (single junctions devices) which are only suitable in niche markets requiring lightweight, flexibility, and variable angle performance, such as in the consumer electronics market. However, it is expected a significant increase in the PCEs of the OPV technology due to the continuous improvement of high performance polymers, the better understanding of photophysical mechanisms, thin film morphology and the self assembly of the polymer’s chain in the bulk of the active layer. In this review, we summarize the progress in the field of high performance conjugated polymers (PCEs above 9.0%) by identifying suitable candidates for simple and high purity large scale synthetic quantities through their synthetic complexity determination, compatible for fabrication of OPV modules (for example important factors include solubility issues, easy processing, and more important environmental and photochemical stability) that will pave the way for further enhancement of the OPV modules’s efficiency and stability. This is a very significant advance considering that the chemistry of functional conjugated polymers is facing major challenges and suitable materials have to achieve a broad range of specifications to be established as an appropriate choice for high photovoltaic performance.