Conjugated Polymers for Photon-to-Electron and Photon-to-Fuel Conversions

Abstract

Solar energy conversion has nowadays attracted research interests of the community, wherein conjugated polymers (CPs) become a class of workhorses on photon-to-electron and photon-to-fuel conversion studies. In recent years, exciting breakthroughs have been made in these multi-interdisciplinary fields, with the assistance of the intrinsic flexibilities on tuning optoelectronic, mechanical and structural properties of CPs. In this review, we summarize the recent notable development of CPs in polymer solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and photocatalysts, wherein CPs function well as light-capture and conversion components for polymer solar cells and photocatalysts as well as charge extraction materials for perovskite solar cells. By analyzing the principles, status, and structural-properties of these areas, we outline the design strategies and perspectives of CPs for further advancing solar energy conversions.