How Organic Semiconductors Are Revolutionizing Solar Power

New research partially explains the exceptional performance of a new class of organic semiconductors called non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs).
Solar energy plays a vital role in the transition to a clean-energy future. Typically, silicon, a common semiconductor found in everyday electronics, is used to harvest solar energy. However, silicon solar panels come with limitations—they are costly and challenging to install on curved surfaces.

Researchers have developed alternative materials for solar-energy harvesting to solve such shortcomings. Among the most promising of these are called “organic” semiconductors, carbon-based semiconductors that are Earth-abundant, cheaper, and environmentally friendly.