How the West was Won? A History of Organic Photovoltaics

Abstract

The history of organic photovoltaics has been characterised by the complex interplay between fundamental research, large scale manufacture and commercialization activities. In addition, the field is highly interdisciplinary; ranging across physics, chemistry and engineering. This environment has resulted in a frontier character to the field, with researchers constantly expanding into new areas and confronting new challenges as the area has developed. This article seeks to chart the developments in OPV research, with emphasis on the last two decades, to provide some historical context to current status of the field.