Carrier Multiplication: Ways to Optimize Singlet Fission Through Molecular Design of Pentacene Dimers – TwoforOne (2FOR1)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Dirk M. Guldi
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 454839818

The goal of TwoforOne (2FOR1) is dissecting the role of molecular spacers in SF-strategies towards a mechanism-based design to boost the light-conversion efficiencies in practical solar cells to 200% at a maximum attainable electromotive force. The essential question, which underlies all device development is how to optimize molecular structures for high SF-efficiency. Our approach is to combine ultrafast spectroscopies (i.e., ultrafast electronic absorption and infrared) and newly tailored SF-materials (i.e., implementing a broad scope of multifunctional molecular spacers) to offer proof-of-concept regarding carrier multiplication and optimization thereof. Only the targeted in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism of SF can pave the way to accomplishing the level of sophistication needed for demonstrating carrier multiplication in energy-conversion schemes and optimizing their energy yield.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Canada, USA
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Rik Tykwinski; Professor Dr. Michael R. Wasielewski
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Timothy Clark