Design and characterization of Bodipy derivatives for bulk heterojunction solar cells

Two electron rich Bodipy dyes with strong absorptivities in the visible region were designed and synthesized as potential electron donors in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic constructs. Overall efficiency is above 1%, with impressive responsiveness at both UV and near-IR ends of the visible spectrum. Computational studies reveal an unexpected effect of meso-substituents on the electron transfer efficiency. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.