FUNDING PROGRAM FOR NEXT GENERATION WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHERS Development of Highly Efficient Organic Thin-film Photovoltaic Cells from Chemical Approaches Based on Synthesis Project Title: of Fullerene Derivatives Name: Yutaka MATSUO Institution: The University of Tokyo 1. Background of research Organic thin film solar cells have been drawing increasing attention because of they potentially become new energy source with low-cost manufacturing processes and low environmental load. In this century, research and development for them have become increasingly active, and international competition among American, European, and Asian countries has been intensifying. Power conversion efficiency of the organic thin film solar cells has achieved more than 8%.
2. Research objectives In this research, we focus on synthesis of fullerene derivatives as electron-acceptors that have been bottleneck for high power conversion efficiency on organic thin film solar cells, and develop high-performance, inexpensive, and robust organic thin film solar cells. In addition, we conduct the research for creation of new science in organic thin film from chemical viewpoint.
3. Research characteristics (incl. originality and creativity) We conduct researches from the viewpoint of chemistry that is based on materials, while solar cells have so far been a subject of applied physics and electric/electronic engineering. This research features electron- accepting fullerene derivatives as key materials for advance of the development, which is different from materials-based conventional research developing electron-donors such as conductive polymers.
4. Anticipated effects and future applications of research With supplying high-performance fullerene derivatives, we expect not only large improvement of power conversion efficiency of organic thin film solar cells, but also inducement of innovation among whole organic electronics research area. Because fullerenes are being produced only in this country on an industry scale, fullerene-based organic thin film solar cells with high efficiency will provide new science and technology where Japan can take the initiative. Electron Acceptor Electron Donor
・Fullerene Derivatives ・Tetracene Derivatives active layer ・Porphyrin Derivatives electrode
Construction of Construction of Organized Structures buffer materials Interface Structures electrode
electrode
active layer
surface modifier
electrode