A breakthrough in harnessing light from singlet fission for solar energy has been found by researchers at Columbia University.

The researchers have designed organic molecules capable of generating two excitons per photon of light. This process is called singlet fission. The excitons can live for much longer than previous counterparts, leading to an increased amount of electricity generated per photon that is absorbed by solar cells.

One of the three principal investigators and an associate professor of chemistry, Luis Campos claimed that the research will help with how we are able to access solar energy.

He said, “We have developed a new design rule for singlet fission materials. This has led us to develop the most efficient and technologically useful intramolecular singlet fission materials to date. These improvements will open the door for more efficient solar cells.”

Campos and his colleagues have claimed the advancement in their research is not just for next-generation and future energy production. It can also be used to initiate chemical reactions and improve processes in chemistry, sensors and imaging. Which in turn can be used by industries to create drugs, plastics and other types of consumer chemicals.

Sources:

1. Materials that can revolutionize how light is harnessed for solar energy.

2. Researchers Develop Materials That Can Revolutionize How Light is Harnessed for Solar Energy .